[ad_1]
(CNS): The Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued warnings about Monkeypox (now known as Mpox) and Oropouche virus, but no cases of either disease have been confirmed in the Cayman Islands. On August 14, in response to a surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and spread to neighboring countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded at least 15,000 cases and 511 deaths since the beginning of 2024. While Mpox is endemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this outbreak has affected previously unaffected provinces, and the number of cases has already exceeded the total number of cases in 2023. Over the past month, more than 100 cases have been reported in the neighboring countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, none of which had previously seen cases.
“Mpox virus is spread from person to person through direct contact with the Mpox rash and/or scabs, and bodily fluids or respiratory droplets from an Mpox patient,” explained Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent. “Transmission can also occur through sexual contact, contact with contaminated items such as towels and bedding, and vertical transmission from pregnant women to their babies.”
The classic symptoms of cowpox are fever, headache, lack of energy, and muscle aches. After the fever, a mild to severe rash develops, most often on the hands and feet, but can also appear on the genitals and perianal area. The rash goes through different stages and then crusts over.
Ministry officials met with representatives from Health City Cayman Islands, Doctors Hospital, Faith Hospital and the Health Services Authority, which includes the HSA’s General Practice, Urgent Care, Public Health departments and the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory (CIMBL).
“Given the rapidly changing situation at this time, the Ministry of Health will continue to meet regularly with these key stakeholders to coordinate actions and overall preparedness,” Dr. Gent said. Participants agreed on infection control issues, the need for immediate isolation, the urgency of notifying public health officials, and rapid testing options. “CIMBL has the capacity to test Mpox locally,” the CMO noted.
While a vaccine against Mpox is available, global supplies are limited and need to be directed towards the current outbreak in Africa. Given that the risk of invasion and community transmission in the Cayman Islands is currently quite low, Mpox immunization is not an appropriate measure at this time.
The Ministry of Health has prepared guidance for clinicians regarding suspected Mpox cases. Given the infectious nature of this virus, isolating individuals and close contacts is an essential measure, so home quarantine measures will be part of the public health response. However, the HSA has identified a new suite of clinical rooms, including individual care rooms suitable for any cases requiring hospitalization.
Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that the risk of Oropouche virus spreading in Central America, South America and the Caribbean is currently of high concern.
There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Oropouche virus disease. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bites of gnats (small flies) and certain mosquitoes. There is currently no evidence that the disease is transmitted from person to person. Symptoms of the disease are usually fever, headache, joint stiffness, pain, and chills. It is often confused with dengue fever because of the similar symptoms. Symptoms usually last five to seven days. Severe cases are rare.
Oropouche virus was first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. Since then, outbreaks have also occurred in Central and South America. In the past few months, several countries in South America and Cuba have reported an increase in cases, including countries where no cases had been reported previously. Brazil has reported two deaths reportedly from infection with Oropouche virus. This is the first time a death has been attributed to Oropouche virus disease.
“Locally, we have been developing the capability to test for Oropouche virus at the Health Services Authority’s Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory (CIMBL),” explained Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams. “The test is currently being validated and healthcare providers will be notified once it is available.
Anyone with a fever or muscle or joint pain should contact their GP for advice and testing, especially if they have recently travelled to an affected area. People travelling to affected areas are advised to use insect repellent and take precautions to prevent bites.
All residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent at all times, especially during peak mosquito activity times (dusk and dawn), wearing lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent bites, and using air conditioning, screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of their homes.
Residents are advised to empty, clean, turn over, cover or throw away items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, flower pots, toys, swimming pools, sinks, flower pots and trash cans, weekly to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. The health department said residents should check inside and outside their homes, noting that mosquitoes lay their eggs near water.
If you are concerned about mosquitoes in your area, call Mosquito Research and Control at 949-2557.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact
nick.gent@gov.ky or rachel.corbett@gov.ky.
[ad_2]
Source link
