By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia – The ministry of health, wellness and elderly affairs (MOH) reported Thursday, two days after carnival and following weeks of fete and what can be described as public health improprieties, announced: “As of Wednesday, July 20, 2022, MOH is managing six suspected cases of monkey pox, of which four have no travel history out of Saint Lucia. These suspected cases are being managed in isolation while they await their results of the monkeypox tests. The epidemiology unit within the ministry of health is conducting contact tracing for these suspected cases.”
In a previous release the MOH, said:
“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.”
Coincidence reporting?
A July 1, 2022 report published by Caribbean News Global, (CNG), stated: “ Following monkeypox arrival in Saint Lucia via flight crew and a seemingly botch operational handling of public health basic adherence, the MOH said in a volte-face that, “ passengers of interest on a flight arriving into Saint Lucia, have been placed in quarantine.”
Interestingly, no scientific data, in-depth local standing on the location of monkeypox on the island, the demographic of infected persons, monkeypox and mitigation/strategy were not forthcoming, except to express: “ The MOH continues to monitor the monkeypox situation globally, regionally and nationally. As of July 20, 2022, 15,378 Monkeypox cases have been diagnosed globally in 71 countries, of which 15,135 occurred in 65 countries that have not historically reported monkeypox, including Caribbean countries.”
‘Monkeypox passengers of interest placed in quarantine’, says St Lucia’s ministry of health
The generic press release from the MOH, dated July 21, continued:
“Monkey pox is a viral disease caused by the monkey pox virus which is usually transmitted from animal to human in some African countries but can also be transmitted from human to human through direct contact with skin lesions or indirect contact with contaminated objects with lesion materials. The virus is also transmitted through respiratory droplets. Human-to-human transmission is responsible for the majority of cases in this 2022 monkey pox outbreak.”
In furtherance to the expressions pontificated by the MOH, there seems a disconnect with the recently concluded carnival celebrations in Saint Lucia, described by many as “Bam Bam Carnival” [human-to-human] as visualized and portrayed.
Moreover said the MOH, who seemingly portrayed little relevance to, and now has no gravitas and stanging to public health measures, following their seemingly, low-key authority on carnival celebrations, now says:
“The disease is characterized by the onset of fever, headache, back pain, muscle ache, weakness, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that progresses through several stages from being flat and red to small, raised bumps like pimples. These then change to fluid-filled vesicles that become pus-filled before drying to form scabs which fall off as new skin forms at the lesion sites. A person remains infectious from the onset of symptoms until the lesions fall off with the formation of new skin. Symptoms may last two to four weeks,” MOH added, “encouraging persons who develop these symptoms including a rash to go to the nearest health care facility for evaluation.”
Ideally, it would serve the public and an economy that is heavily dependent on tourism to ongoing measures and designated centres and procedures. But, to the contrary said:
“The rapid identification and management of monkey pox cases will limit the spread of this infectious disease in the community”, and that, “the public is advised to use the MOH as the reliable source of monkey pox information in Saint Lucia. Individuals can receive this information on the MOH Facebook page and the Bureau of Health Education Facebook page. The MOH will provide updates to the public as added information becomes available.”
More pronounced, the MOH, said:
“Others are advised to take measures that limit their risk of contracting monkey pox. These measures include frequent washing of hands with soap and water or use of hand sanitizers, the wearing of face masks when in public spaces, and the practicing of physical distancing. In addition, people are encouraged to eat healthy, avoid excessive use of alcohol, stop smoking, and have regular exercise. People with chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes are asked to work with their health care provider to ensure control of these illnesses.”
