MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, during his COVID-19 update on Tuesday, urged persons to get tested for the Monkeypox virus if they develop any signs or symptoms.
“If a person develops skin lesions, you can have skin lesions for many things, not just Monkeypox, so to be on the safe side, it would be good to come into our hospitals or one of our health institutions where a doctor can be able to examine the skin and help to make a more definitive diagnosis,” the health minister said.

He related that health officials can confirm whether or not someone has Monkeypox by using a PCR test.
He said that if a person is seen with skin lesions, then, it’s probably better to stay an adequate amount of distance away from that person. He urged persons to be more observant.
Guyana’s second case of Monkeypox was confirmed on Monday.

The first, which was confirmed by Minister Anthony on August 22, 2022, is a male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who is currently in his 50s. It was revealed that this patient did not have a recent travel history. He started developing signs of Monkeypox and showed up at the hospital.

Both patients are isolated at the Ocean View Hospital and are receiving treatment. Contact tracing has also been done.
The minister in his Monday update had assured citizens that the ministry is doing all that it can to ensure that the virus is contained here in Guyana.

“So, we have had several calls, we checked it, we ran tests and many of those persons, fortunately, did not have Monkeypox,” he stated.
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease. Symptoms include fever, intense headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle ache, and a rash that blisters and crusts.

The rash tends to be concentrated on the face, palm of the hands, and soles of the feet. The mouth, genitals, and eyes may also be affected.
The symptoms can be mild or severe and generally last for several weeks during which time a person can be infectious to others. Most people recover within a few weeks without treatment.