SOURCE: AP — The World Health Organization says it’s holding an open forum to rename the disease monkeypox, after some critics raised concerns the name could be derogatory or have racist connotations.

In a statement Friday, the UN health agency said it has also renamed two families, or clades, of the virus, using Roman numerals instead of geographic areas, to avoid stigmatisation. The version of the disease formerly known as the Congo Basin will now be known as Clade one or I and the West Africa clade will be known as Clade two or II.

WHO said the decision was made following a meeting of scientists this week and in line with current best practices for naming diseases, which aims to “avoid causing offense to any cultural, social, national, regional, professional, or ethnic groups, and minimize any negative impact on trade, travel, tourism or animal welfare.”

Numerous other diseases, including Japanese encephalitis, Marburg virus, Spanish influenza and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome have been named after the geographic areas where they first arose or were identified. WHO has not publicly suggested changing any of those names.

Monkeypox was first named in 1958 when research monkeys in Denmark were observed to have a “pox-like” disease, although they are not thought to be the animal reservoir.

WHO said it was also opening a way for the public to suggest new names for monkeypox, but did not say when any new name would be announced.

To date, there have been more than 31,000 cases of monkeypox identified globally since May, with the majority of those beyond Africa. Monkeypox has been endemic in parts of central and west Africa for decades and was not known to trigger large outbreaks beyond the continent until May.

WHO declared the global spread of monkeypox to be an international emergency in July and the US declared its own epidemic to be a national emergency earlier this month.

Outside of Africa, 98 percent of cases are in men who have sex with men. With only a limited global supply of vaccines, authorities are racing to stop monkeypox before it becomes entrenched as a new disease.

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Chief Medical Officer, Dr. The Most Honourable Kenneth George, is informing the public that Pfizer BioNTech, authorised by the Food and Drug Administration, has extended the recommended expiration dates of COVID-19 Vaccines from nine months to one year from the date of manufacture.

This means that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines available in Barbados with the manufacture date of November 2021 have a 12-month shelf life until October 31,

2022.

The Chief Medical Officer assures the public that the Pfizer COVID Vaccines administered remain safe and effective and still offer an opportunity for controlling the spread of COVID-19.  He states that the Pfizer vaccines for COVID-19 will therefore continue to be available until the end of October 2022.  The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to source COVID-19 vaccines on the open market.

The supporting documentation regarding this change in expiry date is entitled “Expiry Information for All Three Vaccine Presentations” and published on April 26, 2022.  It may be found at https://www.cvdvaccine-us.com/images/pdf/Expiry_Doc.pdf.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in the best interest of the public, will continue to provide updates on important matters particularly as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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As the sod was turned to construct a €$149million (more than US$150 million) paediatric and maternal hospital, the Guyana government on Sunday announced that contractors would have to abide by new internationally recognised contract terms that would see them bearing the bulk of the responsibilities for the design and build infrastructure model. The hospital, which ...

The region’s main public health agency has put residents of Barbados and other Caribbean states on alert for two new highly-contagious COVID-19 variants and the reemergence of polio in the Americas.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) also predicted that the BA.5 variant will cause a massive increase in COVID-19 cases across the region.

In an interview with CARPHA’s Communications Manager Carlon Kirton, following the World Health Organisation’s recent declaration of Monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern, the agency’s Executive Director Dr Joy St John expressed grave concern about these developments. She cautioned that the situation could worsen because of vaccine hesitancy and an anti-vax campaign being waged in and outside of the region.

Dr St John said CARPHA has expanded its range of tests and increased testing for the sub-variant of the Omicron variant.

“It’s mainly BA.5, some BA.4. BA.5 is pushing everything else. But we are also seeing BE.1 and BF.1, which act just like BA.5 and spread very quickly,” she reported.

“We will continue to monitor what’s out there in the world, what’s of concern in terms of global transmission so that we would be able to keep on top of the detection tests like what we are doing for Monkeypox and the gene sequencing like what we are doing for COVID-19.”

The public health executive singled out the BA.5 sub-variant, cautioning that it is expected to be responsible for a jump in COVID-19 infections in the Caribbean.

“The need for PCR tests has reduced considerably as we have gone into this new phase of the pandemic. However, the need for gene sequencing has not. The [CARPHA] member states still want to know about gene sequencing because they need to keep on top of what is circulating and how they need to change management.

“For example, now that we have BA.5 circulating, the member states are aware they are going to get lots and lots and lots of cases. There may not be that many that are severe, and there may not be that many that go on to death, but they know there is going to be an increase in cases, so they are on the alert for that,” she said.

Meantime, the CARPHA boss cautioned that the disabling disease polio, which had been eliminated from the Americas more than 30 years ago, could resurface in the Caribbean.

The first case in this hemisphere in the last three decades was reported on July 21 in a young unvaccinated man in New York City. Health officials said he was infected by a strain related to the live oral polio vaccine, which is used in some parts of the world but has not been used in the US since 2000.

“I must confess that although polio has not been declared a public health emergency of international concern, because we are only looking at one case, it is a cause for concern for CARPHA,” Dr St John said.

“First of all, this region of the Americas eradicated polio decades ago. So, for us to see a new case, even though it is one, is of concern to me.”

She said this was particularly worrying because of an anti-vax campaign that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic and was affecting other immunisation efforts.

“Apart from the fact that there was an anti-vax sentiment outside of the Caribbean before COVID-19, since COVID-19 there has been an increase in anti-vaccination sentiments. Vaccine hesitancy is something that we are dealing with even for the pandemic. And so, our percentage coverage of immunisation for polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases has not been as good as it should be,” the senior public health official said.

Addressing the fallout from the anti-vax movement, she said it has dealt a devastating blow to the region’s vaccine uptake efforts.

“Vaccine hesitancy, anti-vax sentiment, and a serious campaign which is being waged through social media has definitely impacted the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and has already started to impact the usual vaccination programmes,” Dr St John said.

“There are stories of persons who not only said they were not getting the COVID-19 vaccines, but they stopped their children from getting it and they stopped their elderly relatives, so it is very disturbing from that perspective. But once that kind of sentiment raises itself, it is going to impact on regular vaccination programmes,” she maintained.

Meantime, addressing the Monkeypox virus, the top CARPHA official noted that people are now presenting with new symptoms.

“The way in which this Monkeypox infection is showing up is different. People are speaking about really severe lesions in strange places. People are talking about the swelling of lymph nodes so that they protrude through the skin, even two inches out from where they normally would be. There are even reports of people who could not walk because their lymph nodes were so inflamed. So the way in which Monkeypox in this outbreak in non-endemic countries is exhibiting means people need to pay attention and people need to ensure they are not infected, because they are people who are infected and they are travelling,” Dr St John pointed out.

She added that while there is a vaccination for Monkeypox, it may be out of the reach of small developing countries such as Barbados, not only because the cost is prohibitive but also because it is in short supply.

(emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb)

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The Director of Medical Services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has parted ways with the institution while calling for a review of the operating structures that have been in place since the healthcare facility opened almost 58 years ago.

Dr Clyde Cave, who has been associated with the QEH for more than four decades, said on Wednesday that the country’s lone public hospital needs more resources.

“I think, first of all, [there needs to be] recognition that the institution is underresourced and structures which were put in place when we moved in in the 1960s need to be reconsidered and re-resourced.

“And when I say re-resourced, it’s not just finance – although that is part of it too – it’s human resource development. The quality of the doctors encompasses the human and professional side and not just the technical side,” Dr Cave, who declined to renew his contract, told Barbados TODAY as he responded to a question about what improvements he would like to see at the QEH which opened its doors in November 1964.

“I would [also] like to see the caring and bedside manner get a little bit more prominence than it seems to have taken on in recent times,” he further suggested.   

Dr Cave, a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, explained why he decided to leave the hospital at this time.

“My mandatory retirement was coming up in January and having gotten through the bulk of COVID, it was time for long-range planning and somebody else to take on the responsibility. I figured now would be a good transition for them and certainly a well-deserved rest for me. The contract ended, so I just didn’t renew or extend for the six months to January. I am out of here,” said Dr Cave, who started at the QEH as a medical student in 1978.

The specialist also reflected on his tenure at the hospital, particularly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The last two years I wasn’t working as a paediatrician, I was in administration. We all know there were extraordinary times and challenges with COVID across the world. The QEH was no exception, and when called on to help in any way, you respond. I think during that time we were able to stabilise the ship. QEH was the one who responded nationally through our isolation centre and so on. A lot of other countries failed,” he contended.

“Given the situation and our available resources, we did a very good job,” the senior medical practitioner declared.

He pointed out that while the hospital looks to recover from the insults of the COVID-19 pandemic and faces a new viral threat of Monkeypox, there is planning for what comes next.

Looking back at the highlights of his career at the QEH, Dr Cave identified his management of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as one.

“From the time I took over the NICU, we have seen a dramatic drop in the death rates. And I think that was due to services we implemented when we opened the NICU,” he said.

Dr Cave said that although he has left the QEH, he will continue to teach paediatrics at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, train nurses in paediatrics and human resource development through the Shaw Centre for Paediatric Excellence which he heads, and remain with the World Paediatric Project to share his expertise with other Caribbean neighbours.

He said many children in other parts of the region do not enjoy full health care benefits and with international assistance, they are brought to Barbados and given the necessary care.

“It’s a slowing down, but not a stopping. I will still be running my office,” Dr Cave told Barbados TODAY.

Dr Chaynie Williams is now Acting Director of Medical Services.

(emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb)

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With health authorities confirming the country’s first monkeypox case, the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) is warning residents not to drop their guard, particularly as the island faces the threat of the more transmissible COVID-19 BA4 and BA5 variants.

Public Relations Officer of BAMP Dr Stephanie Date advised on Sunday that citizens should continue to practise the successful public health strategies for this viral illness which have been used for COVID.

Dr Date said that in order to reduce the risk of monkeypox transmission, there should be an immediate identification and isolation of suspected cases, proper hand sanitization, respiratory hygiene, physical distancing and proper wearing of masks.

“These successful public health strategies, which are familiar to use, should be continued at this time as we simultaneously face this new illness and the threat of the more transmissible and immunity-evading COVID-19 Omicron variants, BA4 and BA5,” the BAMP PRO said in a statement.

“Therefore, it is important that we do not let our guard down and continue to be vigilant at this time. We advise the public to immediately report any suspected symptoms of monkeypox, or any contact with an individual showing signs or symptoms of this illness,” she stated.

Dr Date suggested that residents may make a report by calling the polyclinic nearest them, or a medical practitioner who would alert the public health authorities responsible for initiating appropriate contact tracing and isolation protocols.

Dr Date explained that monkeypox can be spread from person to person via respiratory droplets such as from coughing or sneezing or close contact, including face-to-face, skin-to-skin, or sexual contact.

She pointed out that infectious individuals may also spread the virus by contaminating surfaces and objects including bedding and clothing when they have a rash.

“While most cases are mild, monkeypox can still cause discomfort and sickness. In rare cases, children, pregnant women, persons who have uncontrolled chronic diseases or compromised immune systems, may develop more severe complications from the disease. Exposure to someone infected with monkeypox will not lead to sickness immediately, but illness may develop within the incubation period of  five to 21 days,” Dr Date cautioned.

She said symptoms of monkeypox also include high fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes (glands), which are accompanied by a characteristic rash that is sometimes pruritic (itchy).

“The monkeypox rash often appears first on the face and can also be found in areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the eyes, mouth or genital regions. The rash may appear as flat lesions, which eventually become fluid-filled or pus-filled blisters. Persons may experience these symptoms for up to four weeks, and can be considered infectious until all lesions have crusted and scabs have flaked off to reveal new layers of skin,” The BAMP PRO explained. (EJ)

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As health authorities await test results from a suspected Monkeypox case, Minister of Health Ian Gooding-Edghill has confirmed that the country now has capabilities to test for the virus here.

And he has assured that authorities are fully prepared to handle any cases and would take steps to prevent any spread, while the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) has urged residents to be extra cautious as they attend Crop Over events.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George on Tuesday disclosed to Barbados TODAY that there was a suspected case of the disease – in which a Barbadian male with no travel history presented with signs of lesions on his body – and samples were sent for testing.

Minister Gooding-Eghill said on Wednesday that while samples from two previous suspected cases were sent off to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for testing, and returned negative, the latest case is being tested locally.

“The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory recently acquired the capacity to do the diagnostic test for Monkeypox and will therefore be conducting tests locally on any suspected cases. This ability by Best-dos Santos is a major accomplishment of which the Barbados health service can be justifiably proud and should be a source of comfort to all Barbadians,” he said.     

“For full disclosure, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will update the public on the results of the one sample which was sent to the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory.

“To date, there have been no confirmed cases of Monkeypox in Barbados. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to maintain transparency whilst adhering to patient confidentiality,” Gooding-Edghill assured.

He further assured that his Ministry will continue to take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of any disease outbreak in Barbados, and stressed that there would be no vaccination drive at this time.

“There are no vaccines available in Barbados for Monkeypox. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that mass vaccination is not required nor recommended for Monkeypox at this time. Human-to-human spread of Monkeypox can be controlled by public health measures, including early case findings, diagnosis and care, isolation, and contact tracing,” the Health Minister said.                                                                                         

“The absence of vaccines should not cause undue alarm since Monkeypox is rarely fatal. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to follow the WHO guidance as part of the global response. Any person presenting pox symptoms will be clinically assessed, and swabs may be taken for testing, and the patient would be required to isolate as a risk mitigation measure.”

Gooding-Edghill said the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to pay very close attention to the global outbreak.                                                                       

He noted that from the time “this new threat to global health” emerged, the Ministry swung into action by taking the very important step of sensitising its public health professionals who are responsible for public health management.                                     

“Let me assure the public that the Ministry of Health and Wellness is fully prepared to handle any cases of monkeypox in our nation. In addition, the Ministry’s Port Health staff will continue to conduct public health surveillance at our ports of entry,” he said.                                

“The Ministry’s public health team is well trained on surveillance and detection, and as has occurred in the past when faced with any global outbreaks of infectious diseases, this team will continue to monitor our borders and protect public health in Barbados. Please be aware that any travellers arriving at any of our ports with any pox symptoms will be assessed and investigated accordingly. ”                                                                                                                                              

“Our state of readiness will also involve sensitising those workers who help us to maintain border control, such as Immigration, Customs, Barbados Port Inc., Grantley Adams International Airport, and others who perform a critical role at our ports of entry,” he added.       

Meanwhile, BAMP President Dr Lynda Williams has cautioned residents to be extra careful regarding the risks of contracting Monkeypox during Crop Over mass gatherings, noting that the symptoms of the disease can be subtle.

“As a result, sanitisation should be upheld, and given that it is a respiratory droplets infection, the wearing of masks should also be maintained especially in close contact,” she told Barbados TODAY.                                                                                                                          

Dr Williams advised Barbadians not to wait until any potential symptoms of the virus become prominent, but  to report to their doctor or health clinic at the slightest hint of a potential case.

Monkeypox is a disease that is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox and can be contracted through close intimate contact of an infected person.

Symptoms are similar to those of smallpox, but milder, and it is rarely fatal. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus.                                                                                              

The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. Sometimes people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms, while others only experience a rash.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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The globally recognised New York-headquartered Mount Sinai health system will next week dispatch a team to Guyana to begin overhauling the quality of service at the country’s primary healthcare institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), officials said Friday. Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said a team from Morning Side Hospital would be partnering directly ...

SOURCE: CMC — The Bahamas government has confirmed that health authorities are investigating a second suspected case of Monkeypox.

Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Michael Darville, told a news conference that a Bahamian national is suspected of having the virus.

Last month, the Health and Wellness Minister reported that a foreign national, who travelled to the country, was being closely monitored by health officials and suspected of having the disease.

The individual was believed to be in his mid-40s and had been placed in isolation after showing symptoms associated with the disease. He has since been flown out of the country.

Dr Darville confirmed that the foreigner had indeed tested positive.

“Yes, I would like to inform the general public that the suspected case of Monkeypox that was in the country on June 9th. Our National reference lab did the analysis and that case was confirmed to be Monkeypox on the 24th of June,” he said.

“There is another suspected case in the country that we are monitoring. That individual went through the quarantine process, for I think 21 days and all the contacts associated with that case are also being monitored,” he told reporters.

He confirmed that the new suspected case has a history of contact with someone from a foreign country.

Symptoms of Monkeypox include skin rash, fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion and can last up to two to four weeks.

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