Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has given the assurance that Trinidad and Tobago is prepared to deal with Mpox.
For the second time in two years, the World Health Organization declared the virus a public health emergency of international concern, due to its spread in several African countries.
T&T recorded four cases of the virus in 2023, but the WHO noted that a new strain has been spreading rapidly over the past year in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in neighbouring countries.
Deyalsingh assured, however, that systems are in place to manage cases should they arise.
He said: “In the event that we have cases of Mpox in Trinidad and Tobago, we have the vaccines to treat people, we have the antivirals, and the isolation protocol is typically to isolate at home.
People can be isolated at health facilities in our isolation rooms especially if they are seriously ill.”
The Minister said people should stay alert for typical signs and symptoms of the virus, including flu-like symptoms, fever, rash and blisters.
Deyalsingh said the Ministry of Health will continue to update the population as the situation develops.
The virus is transmitted via close contact, especially close sexual contact or contact with contaminated linens and housewares.