First Case Of Monkeypox In Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Tuesday, July 19, 2022) — A first case of Monkeypox — a Barbadian man in his thirties — has been confirmed by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Ian Gooding-Edghill.

“You will recall that yesterday, I informed the Barbadian public that there was a suspected case of Monkeypox in the island. In keeping with my Ministry’s commitment to transparency and full disclosure, I’m here to inform you that Barbados has recorded its first confirmed case of Monkeypox,” the Minister of Health announced at a media conference, on Saturday.

The patient, whose identity cannot be disclosed by the Ministry, “in the interest of patient confidentiality”, sought medical attention at the Winston Scott Polyclinic with symptoms of a progressive rash, body pains and fever, within hours of his return from a trip abroad.

He was seen, assessed, was swabbed and the samples were sent to the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory for testing, where results revealed a positive case of Monkeypox.

“These results, of the locally-done test, were obtained, within 24 hours as against the days awaiting results when the tests were done in Trinidad by CARPHA,” Minister Gooding-Edghill disclosed.

The patient remains in isolation and is under the direct care and medical supervision of the Medical Officer of Health.

“I am confident that the Ministry’s speedy announcement of this case will, as has occurred with our response to COVID-19, get from the Barbadian public, the same level of cooperation in our ongoing management of the Monkeypox health issue. Let me assure the public that the Ministry is fully prepared to handle any cases of Monkeypox in our nation,” the Health and Wellness Minister said.

The Ministry has commenced contact tracing as a responsible public health measure.