The Ministry of Health advises that no cases of monkeypox have been reported in Bermuda.

Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP MP, said, “We are keeping a close eye on monkeypox and working closely with the Bermuda Hospitals Board to develop guidance for primary care providers and the MDL lab on sample handling. Additionally, the BHB pharmacy is actively exploring the procurement of vaccines that treat monkeypox. We are also working proactively with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

 “Fortunately, monkeypox is still very rare, and no deaths have been reported. The risk to Bermuda is low. As patients develop a flu-like illness and a rash, clinical identification is relatively easy. Usually, the virus causes fever, chills, rash and lesions on the face or genitals. Most people recover within several weeks without requiring hospitalization.

“Our port health officials have been made aware of how to screen and recognize possible cases and take appropriate action. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ayoola Oyinloye, has advised healthcare professionals to identify and immediately isolate and report cases to local and regional health authorities.

“If Bermuda has a reported monkeypox case, theKing Edward VII Memorial Hospital has appropriate isolation facilities to support treatment.”