MINISTRY OF HEALTH PRESS RELEASE RE: NO CASES OF MONKEYPOX IN THE FEDERATION OF ST. KITTS & NEVIS

As of Sunday July 17, 2022, there are no reported suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of
monkeypox in the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis. Four (4) other CARICOM member states
have been affected by the travel of infected individuals and their close contacts so far. However,
the monkeypox outbreak has not affected St. Kitts & Nevis yet and there are no plans for border
closure.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus which is part of the
same family of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox symptoms include:
fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion and a typical rash that looks like
pimples or blisters inside mouth, on face and other parts of the body like hands, feet, chest,
genitals, or anus. The rash goes through distinct stages before healing completely. The illness
typically lasts 2- 4 weeks. The monkeypox virus can spread from person-to-person through
direct contact with infected person, touching contaminated clothes or linen of infected persons
and mother–to–child transmission through pregnancy.
Monkeypox is a different virus from the virus that causes COVID-19. Monkeypox is much
harder to transmit. There is a limited likelihood of spread of this disease in the Caribbean region.
Based on the latest recommendations made by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
and Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) regarding monkeypox there should be no
restrictions on entry of persons or imported goods from any country at this time.
The Ministry of Health will continue to be vigilant for the importation of this virus and any other
communicable disease and the people of the Federation will be updated accordingly.