The first confirmed case of Monkeypox virus was detected in Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health has announced.

The patient is a middle aged male with travel related history. He was tested earlier today and the sample was then sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) laboratory via the Trinidad Public Health Lab.

The relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) has initiated the local public health response, which includes contact tracing.

The Ministry takes this opportunity to remind the public that the Mpox virus continues to circulate worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) update (as at July 4, 2023) 88,144 cases have been detected globally amongst 112 countries and there has been a total of 149 deaths.

The Mpox virus can range from mild disease to severe illness and is spread through close contact or through respiratory droplets. Common signs and symptoms may include a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to visit their nearest health facility.

The public is also reminded to maintain good hygiene practices such as hand washing or sanitizing where appropriate.

The Ministry reminds the public that the Mpox vaccine is available in Trinidad and Tobago. However at this time, it would be utilised for contacts of known positives only.