HEALTH PROTOCOLS ACTIVATED AFTER GLOBAL MONKEYPOX ANNOUNCEMENT

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Health & Wellness

The Bahamas, August 22, 2024 – Emergency response protocols at the Ministry of Health & Wellness have been activated following the declaration of Monkey pox or M-pox outbreaks in Africa.  On Wednesday August 14^th, 2024 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global emergency in response to the rapid spread of the virus across the African continent and a newly reported case in Sweden.

Minister of Health & Wellness the Honourable Dr. Michael R. Darville today confirmed that protocols and response measures to protect against the spread of M-pox in the country have been activated and that quarantine measures and modalities are in place. The Ministry he said also retains antivirals, and the M-pox vaccine for persons seeking preventative treatment or who may be high risk. “We also would wish to note that we are now able to test for Monkeypox in country via the National Reference Library (NRL). This significantly reduces wait times on samples and offers the opportunity to rule out or treat persons presenting with symptoms,” he said. The vaccines, the Health & Wellness Minister added are available free of charge at any public clinic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the following individuals as high risk but not exclusively; gay, bisexual, men who have sex with other men (MSM) or individuals with multiple sexual partners. Other persons at risk of exposure include laboratory personnel performing diagnostics testing and designated response team members.

Symptoms of Mpox include skin rash/lesions, fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. Symptoms can last two (2) to four (4) weeks. The death rate associated with the disease is low, ranging between three to six per cent of persons infected. The public is encouraged to adhere to safety protocols for Mpox which include: washing your hands properly and often with soap and water, using an alcohol based hand sanitizer, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly, and maintaining physical distance from others, particularly if you feel ill. If you suspect that you or someone you know has Monkeypox, contact your primary health care provider or nearest public health community clinic to be evaluated. Information can be obtained by contacting the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit, Mondays – Fridays, 9:00am – 5:00pm at telephone numbers 604-9097 or 604-9091; or after hours at 376-3809, 376-7143, 376-9907, or 814-6892.