In his press release #1, of July 19, 2022, Dr. Alex Larsen, Minister of Public Health advises the population that he has raised the alert level in Haiti, following the confirmation of several cases of monkeypox in the Caribbean : Porto Rico (13 cases), Dominican Republic (2 cases), Jamaica (1 case), Barbados (1 case).

14,500 cases of monkeypox in humans have been reported so far in 70 countries (source WHO) "[...] Haiti has not observed any case of this disease and the risk of infection is low. However, a healthy person can be infected with the virus responsible for monkeypox when they come in close contact with an infected person or via the environment contaminated by the patient [bedding, clothes, dishes, bath linen...]

The Ministry wishes to reassure the public about the suspected cases reported in Haiti. They all tested negative. It is likely that more suspected cases will be reported in the coming days as the surveillance system has been activated to detect them. Specimens for all these cases will be tested at the National Public Health Laboratory for confirmation.

Ministry technicians work with international partners to better understand the modes of transmission of this disease and prevent its introduction and spread in Haiti. Common signs and symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The incubation period is normally 6 to 13 days, but can be up to 21 days.

It is recommended that the entire population monitor these symptoms. Anyone who may have been in contact with someone who is infected, who is not feeling well, or who has symptoms suggestive of monkeypox should limit their contact with others and report their symptoms to a health care provider.

Healthcare providers are urged to be extra vigilant and closely monitor patients with symptoms consistent with monkeypox, even if they present with an atypical clinical picture, whether or not they have reported travelled [...]""

HL/ HaitiLibre