Young adult male is T&T’s third monkeypox case

(Loop News) Just under a week since the first case of the monkeypox (Mpox) virus was confirmed in Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Health has identified a third case.

In a statement, the Ministry said the latest case was confirmed via laboratory testing on Monday. The patient is a young adult male with a recent travel history.

The Ministry said the relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation and has initiated the local public health response.

The response includes home isolation and contact tracing for the patient.

The Mpox virus can range from mild disease to severe illness and is spread through close contact or through respiratory droplets.

Common signs and symptoms may include a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last two to four weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to visit their nearest health facility.

While the Mpox vaccine is available in Trinidad and Tobago, at this time, the Ministry said it would be utilised for contacts of known positives only.

Further information on the Monkeypox virus can be found on the Ministry’s website at www.health.gov.tt/monkeypox