The Health Ministry is managing several suspected and probable cases of chickenpox identified among healthcare workers at the Sangre Grande Hospital Campus.
In a statement, it says affected persons were identified across several departments, with immediate infection prevention and control measures implemented in accordance with established public health protocols.
These include isolating symptomatic individuals, contact tracing, enhanced environmental cleaning, occupational health surveillance, and monitoring exposed persons.
Exposed staff members across affected departments have also been identified and assessed for inclusion in a targeted vaccination drive.
At present, there are no known cases within other Regional Health Authorities.
Despite this, the Ministry says healthcare services continue to operate, and there is no indication of widespread community transmission associated with these cases.
The situation is also said to be under close surveillance by public health and infection prevention teams.
Chickenpox is a common viral illness that spreads mainly through respiratory droplets or direct contact with fluid from skin lesions. While the illness is often mild in children, it can pose greater risks to pregnant women, newborns, immunocompromised persons, and adults who have never had the infection or vaccination.
The following measures are advised:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid close contact with persons displaying fever, rash, or blister-like skin lesions.
- Cover coughs and sneezes appropriately.
- Keep children or adults with suspected chickenpox at home and away from school, work, or public gatherings until all lesions have dried and crusted over.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or an itchy blister-like rash develop.
- Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals who believe they may have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider promptly.
- Parents and guardians are also encouraged to ensure that children’s immunizations are up-to-date, including chickenpox vaccination where necessary.
