FIFTEEN samples have been tested for monkeypox, with only two showing positive results in Guyana.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony disclosed this during his daily COVID-19 update on Wednesday.

For the two monkeypox patients, the Health Minister related that by the end of this week, the doctors will determine whether they can be discharged or not.

For the persons in quarantine, Minister Anthony said that none of them have shown any symptoms of Monkeypox as yet, but they do have to monitor them for at least 21 days.

Minister Anthony said Monkeypox tests were conducted and samples were taken from persons in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

“We had a few samples from one of the hinterland regions, Region Eight, but generally these samples came from Regions Two, Four, Five and Eight,” the Health Minister said.

Guyana’s second case of Monkeypox was confirmed on August 29, 2022. 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 Ocean View Hospital, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, and are receiving treatment.

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.