Monkey Pox cases confirmed as health authorities urge calm

Health officials are urging Barbadians to remain vigilant and alert following the confirmation of three cases of the contagious Monkeypox, also known as Mpox.

With no recent travel links to the outbreak, medical leaders urged citizens to stay informed, cooperate with contact tracing, and maintain stringent hygiene while authorities assess and contain the situation.

President of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP), Dr Lynda Williams, said health authorities would now have to carry out contact tracing due to the presence of this disease, but she gave an assurance there was no need to panic.

“We have been on the lookout for Mpox since August 2024, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) made it a disease of global public health concern; meaning that it was being seen outside of the areas in Africa in which it would normally be seen,” Dr Williams told Barbados TODAY.

“As a medical community, we have the information that these cases were not from recent travel; and so, we have to bear in mind that people can be exposed to many different types of infectious diseases, even if they are here on the island, because of the amount of travel into the island, particularly when we host events.

“So, being alert, being aware that these diseases are out there is very important for us, but for the public, it’s also very important not to panic.

While Mpox does not spread rapidly, she stressed that contact tracing is necessary.

“The reason why contact tracing is essential is because it has a long incubation period; and so, a person who is in close contact with someone who has had Mpox may not see symptoms for as long as 21 days,” Dr Williams said. “And so, if authorities contact and ask you if you have had contact with someone, please be cooperative and help the authorities to help you and to help society, as a whole, to prevent or to contain any further spread.”

Although the disease is not fatal, it can sometimes make children “quite” ill and can also affect those who have suppressed immune systems, she said.

Dr Williams explained: “The principles of containing this disease have more to do with good hygiene, good hygiene practices using personal protective equipment for health officials particularly, and for those with suppressed immune systems . . . . And also, for everyone, good hand hygiene. There have been a few cases that have been spread by respiratory contact; but usually, not just a fleeting contact, but close contact with someone who is infected or who is exposed.

“So, let us work together to get this quickly under control. And there is no need to panic. We will master this also.”

According the latest WHO Mpox Multi-country External Situation Report, published on Friday, the WHO’s emergency committee met on September 4 in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations. Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus determined that the Mpox multi-country outbreak no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), the WHO said.

But he also cautioned that the lifting of the PHEIC does not mean the threat is over, and WHO’s response continues. Mpox continues to circulate, especially in Africa, where over 90 per cent of cases are reported, and flare-ups remain possible everywhere.

Vulnerable groups, particularly children, pregnant women and people living with HIV, continue to face higher risks for severe disease and death. Surveillance, diagnostics, community engagement, and response capacity must therefore be maintained.

The report also said that the rapid risk assessment of the overall public health risk posed by Mpox was updated on September 2. The overall global public health risk was assessed as moderate.

(EJ)