What we learned about Suspected MonkeyPox in Turks & Caicos

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, July 25, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos is still waiting for confirmation on that first suspected case of MonkeyPox, what we do know is the suspected case is from a resident with a history of travel to the UK, this is according to Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health & Human Services in response to Magnetic Media questions about the case.

Apparently samples cannot be shipped to CARPHA with the courier services operating out of the TCI because the disease is classified as a ‘Category A’ pathogen.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says, “Category A pathogens are those organisms/biological agents that pose the highest risk to national security and public health because they

• Might cause public panic and social disruption

OR

• Require special action for public health preparedness.   Among other reasons.

As a result TCI health officials say they are “diligently working on developing local capacity for testing utilizing equipment acquired by the NPHL during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The individual is in isolation and is apparently recovering well.

Health officials say the person turned up to a healthcare provider, not the ER, and they are now  carrying out contact tracing.  Local testing should be up soon to confirm the presence of the virus.

If the virus is confirmed to be on island, the Ministry of Health and Human Services says they will make a formal announcement and healthcare providers are already on alert.   Anyone presenting with the signs and symptoms of MonkeyPox to any healthcare provider will trigger an immediate response including testing contact tracing and isolation.

“The MOHHS has requested that all health care providers have a high index of suspicion due to the unprecedented global spread of this disease which has been confirmed in countries with close travel ties to the TCI as well as recent confirmation of cases in the Caribbean region,” Astwood said.

While she did not give a concrete turnaround time for testing and she did not reveal which island reported the suspected case, Dr. Astwood said results will come as soon as is practical.   Additionally, isolation for positive individuals will be observed at home due to the mild nature of the disease and can last up to 21 days.

To stay protected the MOHHS said to residents, “It is important that the public stays informed and takes precautions to protect their health and that of those around them as the pandemic is ongoing and there is the added threat of MonkeyPox.  The same hygienic measures are recommended for both illnesses inclusive of mask wearing.”

Almost all of the TCIs major travel partners including the US,UK, Canada, Dominican Republic and Jamaica have recorded cases.