Health
Ministry of Health and Human Services Issues Public Health Alert on Mpox
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20th August, 2024 — The Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to inform the public that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration, made on August 14, 2024, recognizes the significant global threat posed by the more transmissible and severe strain of the Mpox virus, known as clade 1b. By declaring a PHEIC, the WHO raises global awareness about a possible public health threat, ensuring that governments, health organizations, and the public understand the urgency and severity of
the situation.
Mpox clade 1b, which emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2023, has now spread to several countries in Africa and, as of August 15, 2024, was confirmed in Sweden. This is the first time this strain has been detected outside of Africa, heralding the need for heightened vigilance worldwide.
A health alert coming from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the primary public health agency for the Caribbean region, reports the current situation in the Caribbean as:
- No reported cases of Mpox clade 1b have been reported in the Caribbean or neighbouring regions, including the United Statesto date.
- The risk to the Caribbean population is currently assessed as low to moderate, given the limited travel and direct commercial connections to the DRC and its neighbouring countries.
However, the Ministry urges continued vigilance and surveillance.
Mpox (previously known as monkeypox), is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It can spread through:
- close contact such as touching, kissing or sex
- through contaminated materials like sheets, clothing and needles
- Respiratory droplets from an infected person
- pregnant women, who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby
Once an individual comes in contact with an infected person the time between contact to the display of symptoms (incubation period) for Mpox ranges from 5 to 21 days but is typically from 6 to 13 days.
Persons infected with Mpox initially develop symptoms that include:
- Exhaustion
- fever,
- headache,
- backache,
- muscle ache,
- chills
- swollen lymph nodes
- Painful rash is quite common, firstly appearing on the face then on the hands, feet and other parts of the body.Rask appears as vesicles (fluid-filled blister).
Symptoms often last for 2 to 4 weeks and are mild in most people but severe illness and complications, such as sepsis (severe whole system infection), secondary infections and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), may occur in children, pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems. 
Prevention is primarily through avoiding contact with infected individuals by:
- Wash and Sanitize hands frequently
- Avoid contact with anyone with a suspicious rash
- Avoid contact with contaminated object
- Wear a mask for close contact with an infected person
Since this declaration, the Ministry of Health and Human Services has enhanced syndromic surveillance systems to rapidly identify cases presenting with fever and rash, especially among travelers from affected regions. The Ministry has also elevated awareness among healthcare professionals, ensuring they recognized the symptoms of Mpox, particularly in patients with recent travel history to those areas.
Additionally, there has been strengthened infection prevention and control procedures in healthcare settings to better manage potential outbreaks.
The Ministry, in collaboration with CARPHA, will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Public health authorities across the region are urged to remain vigilant and ready to respond swiftly to any potential cases.
For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, May 9th, 2025): InterHealth Canada—TCI Hospital proudly inaugurated Nurses Week with a delightful brunch for the nursing teams of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. This spirited event, designed to honour nurses’ incredible contributions, was celebrated on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, and was met with an enthusiastic turnout.
Nurses Week is a special time to acknowledge the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment that nursing professionals exhibit
daily in providing exceptional patient care. The TCI Hospital embraced this occasion with a vibrant and engaging program that brought together nurses from various departments, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie, celebration, and gratitude.
In addition to Nurses Week, the event also recognized the BPSO (Best Practice Spotlight Organization) champions who have played a pivotal role in integrating evidence-based practices into the nursing care delivered at the TCI Hospital.
During the brunch, nurses were treated to a fun-filled program featuring engaging activities. The dynamic schedule included interactive games, opportunities for sharing experiences, and a range of delicious culinary offerings, allowing nurses to relax and connect with colleagues.
In attendance and offering remarks of support of Nurses Week was the Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles who said, “Today, we have a special occasion to commemorate as we congratulate InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital on their remarkable achievement in transitioning from a Predesignated Best Practice Organization to an official Registered Nurses Association of Ontario Designated Best Practice Spotlight Organization. This is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the commitment to excellence in nursing practice and patient care that is deeply embedded in the culture of this institution.
Hon. Knowles acknowledged nurses’ vital role in our healthcare system, “You are the backbone of patient care, providing not only medical expertise but also emotional support and comfort to those in need. Your compassion and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families”.
Also bringing remarks was Nurse Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager within the Ministry of Health and Human Services. She
elaborated, “I take this opportunity to first congratulate the TCI hospital on this significant achievement. The quality of care that you provide as nurses has contributed greatly to the success of this new designation as Best Practice Spotlight Organization. You should be proud of yourselves, and if no one else cheers for you, I want you to take this opportunity to stand up across the room and cheer for yourselves. This would not have been possible without you. Stay the course. Even if you move on from TCI Hospital, take your standards and best practices wherever you go”.
In congratulatory remarks, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, said, “As we celebrate Nurses Week, it’s essential to recognize the hard work and dedication of our nursing teams, from direct patient care to innovative practices in healthcare. The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is more than the physical structure but the dedicated and naturally excellent people advancing service excellence and people centred care. The nurses are a part of the life blood of our services and the wider health sector. This brunch is a small token of gratitude for all that they do. It was fantastic to see nurses connecting, celebrating their achievements, and appreciating one another’s efforts; it’s essential for their well-being.”
The kickoff event not only highlighted the importance of the nursing staff but also set a positive tone for the remaining days of Nurses Week. The TCI Hospital aims to continue showing appreciation through its social media platforms throughout the month of May to recognize the commitment and hard work of the nursing teams.
A similar event will be hosted for the nursing teams of the Cockburn Town Medical Centre on May 11th, 2025.
Turks and Caicos, May 9, 2025 – In a significant step toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), the Ministry of Health and Human Services officially commissioned two new ambulances, donated through a partnership with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
During the commissioning ceremony, Health and Human Services Minister Hon. Kyle Knowles highlighted the donation as a milestone in improving emergency medical response and public health systems across the territory. He emphasized that such collaborative efforts
represent a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors.
“This milestone reflects not only our dedication to improving emergency medical response and public health infrastructure, but also the power of strong, strategic partnerships in achieving meaningful progress,” Minister Knowles said.
He further underscored the importance of collaboration in policymaking, noting that inclusive partnerships lead to sustainable, practical solutions. The ongoing alliance with the West Midlands Ambulance Service, he added, is a prime example of how international cooperation can help deliver essential public services in small island nations like TCI.
With these new ambulances, the government aims to significantly enhance emergency response times and ensure reliable care is available when and where it is needed most. The donation is part of broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery and prepare the islands for both everyday medical emergencies and crisis situations.
Residents can now feel even more confident that emergency services in the TCI are evolving to meet the demands of a growing population and tourism industry.
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