Health
Ministry of Health Provides an Update on Monkeypox
#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 7th 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 20th 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.
The Bahamas, May 29, 2026 – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to expand, with United
Nations officials now warning that the disease has spread across multiple eastern provinces and become the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of May 26 the outbreak had reached 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. More than 1,000 suspected cases have been reported, including 121 confirmed infections and 17 deaths. Six healthcare workers are among those who have died.
The United Nations says humanitarian teams remain actively engaged in treatment, surveillance, community outreach and disease containment efforts. However, the response is being complicated by insecurity, population movement and restrictions affecting the delivery of supplies and personnel.
While the outbreak remains confined to Africa, authorities in The Bahamas recently activated emergency health protocols after two men who had spent time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo arrived at Lynden Pindling International Airport aboard a British Airways flight.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the travelers were isolated after presenting low-grade fevers upon arrival on May 22. Officials later
reported that the fevers subsided and neither individual displayed symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease.
The two men, identified as a British national residing in Australia and a French national, were transferred to the Modular Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital for continued monitoring.
Health officials emphasized that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in The Bahamas and assessed the risk to the public as low.
Still, the growing outbreak overseas has prompted increased vigilance. Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville said the government is reviewing whether additional travel measures may be necessary for countries affected by the outbreak.
The United Nations this week announced up to US$60 million in emergency funding to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries, warning that rapid action remains critical to preventing further spread.
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May 27, 2026 – Today, Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital, InterHealth Canada proudly joins the global healthcare community in observing International Emergency Medicine Day, recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary dedication, courage, and compassion of emergency healthcare professionals who stand on the frontlines of patient care every single day.
International Emergency Medicine Day is observed annually on May 27 to promote professional, competent, and timely emergency medical
care for all people around the world. Emergency medicine professionals provide lifesaving care for patients facing critical illnesses and injuries, often during the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives.
At the heart of every emergency department is a team of highly skilled and committed professionals, physicians, nurses, support staff, and allied healthcare professionals who work tirelessly together to save lives and provide hope when it is needed most.
Emergency medicine focuses on the rapid assessment and treatment of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrest, trauma, respiratory failure, severe bleeding, and sepsis. Emergency teams care for patients of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care according to the urgency of their condition through the triage system.
As the safety net of the hospital, the Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving patients during natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and daily medical emergencies. The demanding nature of emergency care requires teamwork, resilience, professionalism, and compassion.
“Today we recognize and celebrate the incredible individuals who dedicate themselves to emergency medicine,” said Dr Monnique-Chadee Waite, Head of the Emergency Department. “Our emergency team is there during some of the toughest moments in people’s lives. Their commitment, expertise, and compassion make a difference every single day. Teamwork truly makes the dream work, and we deeply appreciate every member of our department.”
Shantell Gardiner, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department, highlighted the dedication of the nursing team and support staff.
“Emergency nursing requires strength, compassion, quick thinking, and teamwork. Every day our nurses and support teams provide comfort and care to patients and families during stressful and emotional situations. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism our team demonstrates every single shift. We appreciate each and every member of our Emergency Department family for the vital role they play in saving lives.”
Dr Dawn Perry-Ewing, Chief of Medical Services, added, “Emergency medicine professionals are among the most vital frontline caregivers in healthcare. Their ability to respond quickly, work collaboratively, and remain calm under pressure saves countless lives. We thank them for their unwavering dedication and for continuously striving to provide safe, competent, and compassionate care to every patient.”
Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer, also expressed gratitude to the department. “On this International Emergency Medicine Day, we extend our sincere appreciation to our emergency teams for their extraordinary service and sacrifice. They represent the very best of healthcare, courage, teamwork, professionalism, and humanity. We thank them for standing ready every day and night to care for our community when it matters most.”
The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital also acknowledges the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment within Emergency Departments. Emergency Departments follow a system called Triage, where patients are treated according to the severity and urgency of their condition rather than arrival time. Supporting emergency healthcare workers and respecting the triage process helps medical teams provide safer, faster, and more compassionate care to all patients.
Today and every day, the Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital, InterHealth Canada salutes its Emergency Department team for their dedication, resilience, and lifesaving work.
Teamwork makes the dream work and we appreciate you.
Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2026 – Residents in Grand Turk raised concerns last week after a cruise ship previously linked to a major
norovirus outbreak was cleared to dock in the Turks and Caicos Islands days after passengers were reportedly denied disembarkation in The Bahamas over health fears.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak sickened 115 people — including 102 passengers and 13 crew members — during a voyage which ran from April 28 to May 11. The illnesses involved symptoms commonly associated with norovirus, including vomiting and diarrhea.
The outbreak became public on May 7 and quickly triggered concern across the region.
Authorities in Nassau reportedly refused to allow passengers off the vessel because of public health concerns connected to the outbreak.
That decision later fueled anxiety among some Turks and Caicos residents when the ship proceeded to Grand Turk on May 15.
Residents’ concerns were not without cause.
Norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness often associated with cruise ships, hotels, schools and other environments where large groups of people share close quarters. The virus primarily causes sudden vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea, and spreads rapidly through contaminated food, water, surfaces and person-to-person contact.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most healthy people recover within one to three days, but norovirus can become serious — and occasionally fatal — for elderly individuals, young children and people with weakened immune systems because of severe dehydration. While the overall fatality rate is considered very low, the CDC estimates norovirus contributes to hundreds of deaths annually in the United States, mainly among vulnerable populations.
The Turks and Caicos Ministry of Health and Human Services had said in a press statement on May 15, it believed the risks had been
effectively neutralized before the vessel arrived in Grand Turk.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry said the ship had already returned to Florida, where passengers disembarked and “comprehensive sanitization and deep-cleaning procedures were completed” before operations resumed.
The Ministry also stressed that its Public Health Team maintained “close and continuous communication” with the ship’s medical personnel, Carnival Cruise Line officials and stakeholders at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre before approving the docking.
Routine inspections and standard port health procedures were also carried out, according to officials.
The Ministry further reassured the public that there were “currently no public health concerns” associated with the vessel’s arrival.
Still, the situation once again highlighted the delicate balancing act Caribbean nations face between protecting public health and sustaining tourism economies heavily dependent on cruise arrivals.
Officials are now encouraging vendors, taxi operators, tour companies and businesses to continue practicing strong sanitation and hygiene measures as an added precaution.
Residents were also reminded that frequent handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of norovirus and other infectious illnesses.
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