CARICOM Chair calls for heightened vigilance amid MPox outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024, and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chairperson and Prime Minister of Grenada Deacon Mitchell called for heightened vigilance across the Caribbean region.

Mitchell urged citizens to stay informed through updates from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and local health authorities. He stressed the importance of identifying and reporting unusual rashes or lesions, especially for those who have travelled to affected areas, and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop.

“Reporting any suspected cases to local health authorities is critical to conducting further epidemiological investigations,” Mitchell said, stressing the role of community vigilance in preventing potential outbreaks.

The CARICOM Chairperson detailed the coordinated regional response, with the CARICOM Secretariat working closely with CARPHA to ensure an effective response at the regional and international levels. CARPHA will work with Member States and CARICOM IMPACS to monitor incoming travellers and facilitate rapid identification of potential cases.

Emphasizing the need for collective action, Mitchell said: “Through concerted efforts and increased awareness, CARICOM can effectively protect the health and well-being of our communities from this public health threat.”

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While the Caribbean Public Health Agency has not reported any cases of Mpox clade 1b in the Caribbean to date, the situation requires enhanced surveillance and preparedness. The current outbreak is particularly severe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighbouring countries and has the potential to spread further globally.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is transmitted through direct contact with infected people, animals or contaminated materials. The Caribbean remains on high alert and the risk situation is updated regularly based on new information.

read: Jamaica Ministry of Health issues Mpox alert