Guyana’s 2 monkeypox cases discharged, non-infectious – Dr Anthony

There are no active monkeypox cases in Guyana following the recovery of the two persons whose cases were detected last month.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday disclosed that there have been no new cases of monkeypox detected in the country. On August 22, the first case was discovered –a 57-year-old man who hails from Region Four (Mahaica-Berbice). Days later, a second person tested positive.

Both persons, who are unrelated, were isolated at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
“We had two cases. We isolated them, treated them and they’re now discharged so they’re non-infectious. We have not detected any new cases,” the Health Minister underscored.
He added that since these persons were not experiencing any symptoms, no follow-ups were needed. As of now, Guyana remains prepared with testing capacity and facilities should any new cases be reported.
“At this point in time, there is no need for any further follow-up, because we discharged them from the hospital, they were symptom-free,” Dr Anthony said.
The Health Ministry was expecting monkeypox vaccines by the ending of September, after an order was placed to access the shots through the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO).
Monkeypox characteristically appears as a rash. The acute skin rash may be present with maculopapular (flat-based lesions) to vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), pustules, and subsequent crusting affecting the face, palms, soles and the rest of the body.
It may be accompanied by headache, acute onset of fever, myalgia, back pain, asthenia, and lymphadenopathy. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.
Persons are being urged if any of the symptoms appear, it is important to report your condition to the Health Ministry, which will activate the necessary protocol.

Patient care
Holistically looking at patient care in the health sector, the Health Ministry has been aiming to create a safe environment for patients where they receive the proper medications and treatment.
Dr Anthony highlighted, “One of the things we want to make sure is that when people come to the health system, that patients feel safe. They’re in a safe environment and whatever medications they’re getting, this is also the right and appropriate meds for their health condition.”
Pointing out that mistakes can occur, the Minister said this reinforced the need for continuous training for staffers in the health system.
“From time to time, there can be mistakes. If the prescription is not properly filled, if there is a substitute medicine that is given, if the interaction between various medications is not taken into account, these can lead to complications for patients. Efforts were made to reinforce the need to have quality measures in place to make sure that these mistakes do not occur.”
World Patient Safety Day was observed in Guyana on September 17. (G12)