Barbados is now the third CARICOM nation to record a confirmed case of the monkeypox virus, after the island’s Ministry of Health confirmed on Saturday that a man who recently presented with symptoms of the virus, returned a positive result.

Barbados joins Jamaica and The Bahamas, where  monkeypox cases were detected earlier this month.

The patient is a Barbadian national in his 30s who attended the Winston Scott Polyclinic with symptoms of a progressive rash, body pains and fever, according to a statement from  Health and wellness Minister, Ian Gooding Edghill.

“He sought medical attention at the Polyclinic within hours of his arrival in Barbados. The patient was seen and assessed based on a history of recent travel and clinical manifestations. The patient was swabbed and the samples were sent to the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory for testing where results revealed a positive case of Monkeypox.” 

The test sample was sent to the  Caribbean Public Health Agency in Trinidad for analysis.

“The patient remains in isolation and is under the direct care and medical supervision of our Medical Officer of Health. In the interest of patient confidentiality, no personal details will be disclosed.” 

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has begun contact tracing as a responsible public health measure, assuring  it is fully prepared to handle any cases of Monkeypox.