Monkeypox confirmed in St Lucia, everyone exposed is quarantined

By Shanieka Smith

Features Writer

#StLucia, June 30, 2022 – St Lucia has increased surveillance for Monkeypox after a crewmember on a flight to the island has tested positive for the virus.

Officials said the crewmember did not disembark the aircraft when it arrived.

Regardless, the Ministry said in a press release that the significant increase in the number of cases of Monkeypox confirmed globally in recent weeks has pushed St Lucia to strengthen its capacity to manage individuals who are either suspected or confirmed cases.

The protocols set for COVID-19 have been modified to manage Monkeypox.

The stated also said: “As obtained with infectious diseases, the required contact tracing process is currently being undertaken by the contact tracing team within the Ministry of Health. All identified contacts of the case shall be contacted by the Ministry of Health and placed in quarantine and monitored over a 21-day period.”

People exposed to Monkeypox will be placed in quarantine and monitored by the Home Monitoring Team of clinicians. Also, since the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has the capacity for testing for the Monkeypox virus, samples will be taken from anyone who shows symptoms in quarantine.

The Victoria Hospital has assigned a ward for the care and management Monkeypox positive individuals.