T&T has recorded its first case of Mpox (monkeypox virus).

According to the Health Ministry, the case was detected today.

 The patient is a middle aged male with travel related history.

He was tested earlier today and the sample was then sent to CARPHA’s laboratory via the Trinidad Public Health Lab.

 The relevant County Medical Officer of Health has since initiated the local public health response, which includes contact tracing.

 The Ministry reminds that the Mpox virus continues to circulate worldwide, with 88,144 cases detected globally amongst 112 countries and a total of 149 deaths (as at July 4, 2023).

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 2–4 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.

The Ministry also says while the Mpox vaccine is available in T&T, at this time, it will be used for contacts of known positives only.