World Health Organization Director-General declared the current Mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The declaration was made on August 14th 2024 under the advice of the International Health regulations committee who has been following the data from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since then, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment the Ministry is closely monitoring the data and the reports of confirmed cases. As a result, the Ministry has heightened its surveillance and testing capacity across St Vincent and the Grenadines with regards to MPox.
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. For some persons, the first symptom of mpox 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 public is advised 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 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.