Member States to Remain Vigilant and Continue to Support Activities and Educate the Public to Protect the Health of All Within Their Borders

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.  18 July 2022 (CARPHA): The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) stated on Monday that the Member States should continue to remain on high alert for the importation of viral or other infections and monitor in-country syndromic surveillance systems for increases in fever and rash illnesses.

“At CARPHA we coordinate public health policy and work closely with our Member States and other public health partners to respond to public health issues. As part of our regional public health management, we provide assistance to the Member States through the development of tools for investigation and epidemiological monitoring, and personnel are prepared to respond in the country to assist in the investigation and control of outbreaks, should the need arise,” stated Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director at the Caribbean Public Health Agency.

Dr. St. John further stated “We know that diseases do not recognize borders, and international travel makes us aware that no borders are secure from the threat of diseases, especially infectious ones.  At this time, Member States are in various stages of easing of restrictions for COVID-19 which severely impacted the Region.”

CARPHA is monitoring the spread of the monkeypox virus – looking at prevention and control. We have also commenced testing for the monkeypox virus. At this time, CARPHA does not recommend restrictions on the entry of persons from any country. Working alongside our Member States, we will support activities and educate the public to protect the health of all within their borders.