Saint Lucia has zero Monkeypox cases, confirms Health Ministry

Saint Lucia: In a press release dated Thursday, July 21, 2022, the Ministry of Health Wellness and Elderly Affairs informed the public of the management of suspected cases of Monkeypox.

The Ministry of Health has received the test results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), of which all of the suspected cases’ test results returned negative for the Monkeypox virus. As of Friday, July 22, 2022, there is no confirmed case of Monkeypox in Saint Lucia.

The Ministry of Health has been encouraging citizens and residents who develop fever, headache, back pain, muscle ache, weakness, swollen lymph nodes and a rash to go to the nearest health care facility for assessment.

Persons are advised to take measures that limit their risk of contracting Monkeypox. These measures include frequent washing hands with soap and water or use of hand sanitisers, wearing face masks when in public spaces, and practising physical distancing. In addition, people are encouraged to eat healthily, avoid excessive use of alcohol, stop smoking, and exercise regularly. People with chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes are asked to work with their health care provider to ensure control of these illnesses.

The public is advised to use the Ministry of Health as the reliable source of Monkeypox information in Saint Lucia. Individuals can receive this information on the Ministry of Health Facebook page and the Bureau of Health Education Facebook page.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs will provide updates to the public as more information becomes available. For more information, the persons can contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit at 468-5309/468-5317, respectively.