St Lucia increases Monkeypox surveillance after positive case on flight

The Epidemiology Department within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs of St Lucia is increasing its surveillance of Monkeypox after receiving an alert from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of a crew member on a flight which came into St Lucia who has since tested positive for the Monkeypox virus.

In a statement issued today, Monday, June 27, Chief Medical Officer of St Lucia Dr Sharon Belmar-George said the crew member did not disembark from the flight.

“As obtained with infectious diseases, the required contact tracing process is currently being undertaken by the contact tracing team within the Ministry of Health. All identified contacts of the case shall be contacted by the Ministry of Health and placed in quarantine and monitored over a 21-day period.

“With the significant increase in the number of cases of Monkeypox which have been confirmed globally in recent weeks, Saint Lucia has strengthened the capacity to manage individuals who are either suspect or confirmed cases. The protocols which are in place for COVID-19 have been modified to allow for the management of Monkeypox. Any person exposed to Monkeypox shall be placed in quarantine and monitored by the Home Monitoring Team of clinicians.

“The capacity for testing for the Monkeypox virus exists within the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and as such, samples will be taken from any individual who exhibits symptoms while in quarantine/isolation and shall be sent directly to CARPHA for testing. The Victoria Hospital has assigned a dedicated ward exclusively for the care and management of anyone who receives a positive test result. The management of Monkeypox is done by treating symptoms and there is the capacity in-country to effectively undertake this.

“The public is reminded that Monkeypox has not been confirmed in Saint Lucia to date. As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Health requests that anyone with a recent travel history to self-monitor for the onset of flu-like symptoms including fever, rash, headache and muscle ache.

“If any of these symptoms are observed, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately.

“The Ministry of Health shall be providing the public with further updates as information becomes available,” Belmar-George said in the statement.