Health

Ministry of Health Provides an Update on Monkeypox

Published

3 years ago

May 23, 2022

#TurksandCaicos, May 23, 2022 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services has been carefully monitoring reports of monkeypox which have been increasing and are being reported in multiple countries across Europe (Spain, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Sweden), the US, Canada and Australia. 12 countries which are not endemic for monkeypox, so far have reported at least 92 confirmed cases with 28 pending investigations. More cases are likely to be reported as surveillance expands.

Although no cases have been reported in the Caribbean, it is important that persons are aware of the situation as it continues to evolve.

Monkeypox is a viral illness and is found in a number of countries in Central and West Africa. The more recent news of spread to countries without known endemic disease is unusual. Cases may occur in persons who have travelled from Nigeria or who have been in contact with persons with the confirmed illness. Cases which have been reported since May 14 2022, have largely had no history of travel.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that the total number of monkeypox cases confirmed in England since 6 May is 20. The UKHSA initially identified one case of monkeypox on 7^th May 2022 in an individual with a history of recent travel to Nigeria. Subsequently, additional infections have been identified, some of which have been linked and others which have been unrelated. This spread as well as the occurrence of cases in Europe and other countries has suggested the possibility of community spread. Active investigations are ongoing in countries which have identified cases including contact tracing, testing isolation etc. in order to prevent further spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO), held an emergency meeting on Friday 20^th May 2022 to discuss the monkeypox outbreak. WHO is working with affected countries in order to expand disease surveillance to find and support people who may be affected, and to provide guidance on how to manage the disease.

It is expected that more cases will be identified through surveillance with the possibility of additional countries being affected.

TCI residents returning from, or going to, countries where cases have been identified, are urged to be aware of the signs of infection and to seek medical help if they think they may be at risk.

How the virus spreads

Monkeypox does not spread easily between people. The virus spreads through close contact with an infected animal (rodents are believed to be the primary animal reservoir for transmission to humans), humans, or materials contaminated with the virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs through large respiratory droplets and by direct contact with body fluids or lesion material. Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required.

The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

Person-to-person spread is uncommon, but may occur through:

contact with clothing or linens (such as bedding or towels) used by an infected person
direct contact with monkeypox skin lesions or scabs
coughing or sneezing of an individual with a monkeypox rash

Animal-to-human transmission may occur through a bite or scratch, preparation of wild game (in areas where the virus is present in animals such as Central and West Africa), and direct or indirect contact with body fluids or lesion material.

Individuals, particularly those who are gay, bisexual or MSM, are urged to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, and to contact a health services if they have concerns.

Monkeypox has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, though it can be passed on by direct contact during sex. It can also be passed on through other close contact with a person who has monkeypox or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox.

Symptoms

The incubation period is the duration/time between contact with the infected person and the time that the first symptoms appear. The incubation period for monkeypox is between 5 and 21 days.

Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

Within 1 to 2 days a rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals.

The rash changes and goes through different stages – it can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab which later falls off.

The illness tends to be mild and self-limiting within 2-4 weeks, however it can in some cases be severe particularly in persons with weakened immune systems and children. In some cases, affected persons may die.

Treatment

Treatment for monkeypox is mainly supportive. The illness is usually mild and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment.

There is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, however, vaccines used against smallpox can be used for both pre and post exposure and is up to 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. People vaccinated against smallpox in childhood may experience a milder disease.

Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, is advised to visit their health care provider, particularly anyone who; 1) traveled to countries where monkeypox cases have been reported 2) reports contact with a person who has a similar rash or received a diagnosis of confirmed or suspected monkeypox, or 3) is a man who has had close or intimate in-person contact with other men in the past month.

As the virus does not usually spread easily between people and the risk to the general public is expected to be low, however the public is advised to monitor the situation as it develops and obtain information from credible sources. The MOH should be notified of any suspected cases.

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor developments and provide updates accordingly.

Related Topics:#monkeypox #tciministryofhealth #UKHealthSecurityAgency #who

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Health

Ministry of Health and Environmental Health Department Address Increased Presence of Flies in Grand Turk and Providenciales

Published

2 weeks ago

January 3, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 3 January 2025: The Ministry of Health and the Environmental Health Department are aware of concerns regarding the noticeable increase in the presence of flies, particularly on the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales. This issue has been affecting both residents and visitors, and the Ministry is taking urgent steps to address the situation.

In response to these concerns, several mitigation measures have been implemented. Fly baiting and trapping have been intensified in high-traffic areas such as restaurants, markets, and other public spaces to target and reduce the fly population. Additionally, garbage collection services have been increased to eliminate the backlog of waste, which is contributing to the issue. The Environmental Health Department is working closely with contractors to ensure that waste is collected more frequently and in a timely manner.

To further mitigate the situation, the management of landfill operations is involved in the daily compaction and proper covering of incoming waste at the landfill to prevent flies from accessing decomposing materials. A meeting was held with all service contractors for Grand Turk and Providenciales to address the matter urgently, ensuring that all necessary steps are being taken to mitigate the fly issue effectively.

The Ministry of Health and the Environmental Health Department are committed to maintaining public health and ensuring a clean environment. We encourage the public to cooperate by properly disposing of waste and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue. For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Department at ehd@gov.tc or 338-2143/44.

Health

Measles Alert for Travelers: Protect Your Family – Vaccination is Key

Published

4 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 19 December 2024: The Ministry of Health and Human Services urges the public to ensure that their family is fully vaccinated against measles before heading into the winter season. The TCI confirmed two cases of measles in May 2024 and subsequent to this, two cases were identified in the Caribbean region last month.

If you are planning to travel outside of the TCI during the holiday season or otherwise and you are under or unvaccinated, you may be at risk of contracting measles. Check your vaccination status before you go and ensure that you are fully vaccinated before you travel.

Key facts about measles:

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus.
Measles spreads easily between people who are under or unvaccinated.
The measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine is your best defense against Measles. The vaccine is safe, effective, and available for free at government-operated Primary Health Care clinics.
Symptoms typically start between 10 and 12 days after catching the infection. The signs and symptoms of measles are:
- A high fever (39.1 degrees Celsius or 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Runny or blocked nose
- Cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
- Small greyish-white spots with a bluish-white centre inside the mouth, cheek, and throat may appear a few days later.

A rash usually appears 2-4 days after the cold-like symptoms start. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Measles spreads through:

Close contact with an infected person
Droplets from coughs or sneezes
Touching contaminated surfaces someone has cough or sneezed on

Measles spreads easily within households and in other places where people mix closely together. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not vaccinated will also become infected. The period when a person can spread the virus most is within 7 to 10 days of exposure but can be up to 14 days.

What should you do to keep yourself, your family and community safe from measles?

Check Vaccination Records
- Ensure that you and your children have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. If you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider or your local clinic immediately.
Recognise Symptoms
- If you or your child develop a fever with a rash, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection helps prevent the spread of measles.
Practice Prevention
- Encourage proper hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing, to reduce the risk of infection.

While the TCI has high vaccination coverage in the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) (>95%), unvaccinated persons can still acquire measles through contact with an infectious person.

Have a safe and measles-free holiday season.

For more information or to schedule a vaccination, call 649-338-5469 or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Health

Department of Behavioural Health Services Issues Advisory on the Risks of Vaping and E-Cigarettes, Particularly Among Adolescents

Published

4 weeks ago

December 18, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF

BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 18 December 2024:The Department of Behavioural Health Services (DBHS) wishes to address the growing use of vapes and e-cigarettes, particularly among adolescents, and to raise awareness about the associated health risks. While the use of these products may not be immediately visible in our communities, it is an issue that warrants attention due to its potential impact on the health and well-being of young people.

Vaping and e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. However, it is important to understand that these products are not without significant risks, particularly for adolescents whose bodies and brains are still developing.

Health Risks of Vaping and E-Cigarettes

Despite the perception that vaping may be a harmless activity, research indicates that it can pose several risks, especially to young people. These risks include:

Nicotine Addiction: Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can have long-term effects on the developing brain, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and emotional regulation.
Respiratory Issues: The inhalation of chemicals present in e-cigarette vapor can damage the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory problems and increasing susceptibility to infections.
Damage to Vocal Cords: The inhalation of e-cigarette vapor can irritate the delicate tissues of the vocal cords, leading to inflammation, dryness, and hoarseness. Over time, this can result in chronic voice problems, including a raspy voice or difficulty speaking.
Increased Risk of Laryngitis: Vaping can cause irritation of the larynx (voice box), making individuals more prone to laryngitis, which is an inflammation of the vocal cords. This condition can cause a sore throat, difficulty speaking, and in severe cases, loss of voice.
Mental Health Effects: Studies suggest that the use of e-cigarettes may contribute to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among adolescents.
Gateway to Smoking: There is evidence to suggest that e-cigarette use can serve as a gateway to the use of traditional tobacco products and other substances.

Recognising the Issue in Our Communities

While vaping may not be as prevalent or immediately apparent in our communities as other public health issues, it is important to recognize that it is a growing concern. The appeal of e-cigarettes, particularly to youth, is influenced by attractive flavors and marketing that may not fully convey the potential harms. We are aware of cases where adolescents have been affected, and as such, it is imperative that we address this issue through informed discussions and proactive measures.

The Tobacco Ordinance and Special Considerations

The Turks and Caicos Islands has an established tobacco ordinance aimed at regulating the sale and use of tobacco products. However, the use of vapes and e-cigarettes presents unique challenges that require specific attention. Given the increased use of these products among young people, it is crucial to highlight the risks associated with vaping and the importance of safeguarding the health of our youth.

A Call to Action for Adolescents and the Community

The Department of Behavioural Health Services encourages young people to make informed choices about their health. We understand that curiosity about vaping may arise, but it is important to consider the long-term impact on both physical and mental health. If you are an adolescent or a young adult, we urge you to seek information and support from trusted adults, such as parents, educators, or healthcare professionals, before making decisions regarding the use of these products.

For parents, caregivers, and educators, it is essential to remain vigilant and engage in open conversations with young people about the risks of vaping. Support, understanding, and guidance are key to helping young people make healthy choices.

The Department of Behavioural Health Services remains committed to providing resources and assistance to individuals, families, and communities who need support in addressing the issue of vaping.

For more information or to seek support, please contact the Department of Behavioural Health Services on the following numbers; 338-3613 Grand Turk, 338-3616 Providenciales . Be sure to visit our website www.gov.tc/dmhsd and follow our social media accounts www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS and @TCIDBHS on Instagram. Additionally, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.