The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment has confirmed that the country is still free of monkeypox.
This is good news as several neighbouring countries – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Bermuda and Curaçao – have all reported cases.
Last week, the Cabinet confirmed that tests have been carried out on cases that were under suspicion, however each test returned negative for the viral disease.
“Several suspicious patients were tested and they have all proved negative, thus far; one more test case remains to be reported, but that too is likely to prove negative,” a statement said following last week’s Cabinet meeting.
Over 74,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported worldwide during the latest outbreak which began in May this year.
Meanwhile, Minister responsible for health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, asked Cabinet to approve the purchase of monkeypox vaccines to ensure the country is prepared in the eventuality of an outbreak.
The proposal, however, was not approved by Sir Molwyn’s Cabinet colleagues.
