SVG Ministry of Health steps up MPOX surveillance

The Ministry of Health and the Environment, has stepped up surveillance and testing capacity nationwide for Mpox since the World Health Organization(WHO) declared it a public health emergency of international concern.

The declaration was made on August 14, 2024, under the advice of the International Health regulations committee which has been following the data from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where there has been an upsurge in Mpox cases and deaths since 2022.

The ministry said in a release that since then, it has been closely monitoring the data and the reports of confirmed cases, and heightened its surveillance and testing capacity for Mpox across the state.

MPox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe, the ministry said. For some persons, the first symptom of Mpox, formerly known as Monkey Pox, is a rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks, while others may have skin rash accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

The Ministry of Heath is advising the public to continue observing a healthy lifestyle which reduces exposure to viral infections, including frequent hand washing, minimizing contact with person/crowds, and seeking medical care immediately on suspicion of exposure.

Routine surveillance for other infectious diseases continues to be conducted and is coupled with frequent awareness sessions for healthcare workers, and the public.

The ministry adds that they will continue to monitor the situation closely and update the public accordingly. To date, St Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded no confirmed case/s of MPox.