Barbados' Minister of Health, Ian Gooding-Edghill has today, July 16, 2022, confirmed the country’s first case of the monkeypox infection. Photo: Internet Source

Minister of Health, Ian Gooding-Edghill said the case is in a male in his 30s with a recent travel history. Photo: Facebook

“You will recall that yesterday, I informed the Barbadian public that there was a suspected case of Monkeypox in the island. In keeping with my Ministry’s commitment to transparency and full disclosure, I’m here to inform you that Barbados has recorded its first confirmed case of Monkeypox,” the Minister said in a statement today.

This case is a Barbadian male in his thirties, who attended the Winston Scott Polyclinic with symptoms of a progressive rash, body pains, and fever.

He sought medical attention at the Polyclinic within hours of his arrival in Barbados the minister revealed.

Testing of samples done in barbados - Minister 

“The patient was seen and assessed based on a history of recent travel and clinical manifestations. The patient was swabbed and the samples were sent to the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory for testing where results revealed a positive case of Monkeypox.”

He added that the results of the locally done test were obtained within 24 hours as against the days awaiting results when the tests were done in Trinidad by CARPHA.

“The patient remains in isolation and is under the direct care and medical supervision of our Medical Officer of Health. In the interest of patient confidentiality, no personal details will be disclosed.”

The Minister assured the people of Barbados that his ministry is fully prepared to handle any local case of Monkeypox.