Antigua and Barbuda on high alert for Monkeypox virus 

Monkeypox is rapidly spreading across the globe resulting in even small countries like Antigua and Barbuda being urged to stay on high alert. 

World Health Organization declared more than 250 people globally in at least 20 countries suffering from a suspected infection that can be identified through rashes. These are likely to be transferred through personal contact. 

The virus gets transferred from one human to another through close contact that are in the form of lesions, body fluids, contaminated materials, or body fluids. The quarantine period has become around 6 to 13 days but in extreme cases, it can be from 5 to 21 days. 

Dr. Rhonda Sealy-Thomas, the Chief Medical Officer, stated that even though the Caribbean has not been initiated into the global list, it doesn’t imply that the physicians do not stay on high alert.  She claimed that the symptoms that have to be looked for are typical rashes or fever and in case anyone is found suffering, it needs to be informed at the Ministry Of Health Epidemiology Unit to her so that the spread can be contained. 

The minister expresses how they are trying really hard to stop the virus from spreading all over the island and causing fever followed by fluid-filled blisters.

If anyone develops a fever or a unique rash, vesicles, or pustules it is crucial to seek medical help especially if there’s an attached travel history.  Since the virus has been found in countries such as the States, Canada and Americas, it is only inevitable that soon it will travel to the Caribbean as well.

There have been no official treatments released for this virus but as it is self-limiting, it can heal without any treatment.  This disease can be contained with the aid of medications. Even though the disease is not as researched, it has been found to come from rodents living in Central or West Africa.