The Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed three new cases of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox.
This brings the total number of infections recorded in Barbados to six since 2022.
Health officials reported that the latest cases – one female and two males- were identified in adults between August and September 2025.
Two of the patients are known to have been in contact with each other, while none has any recent travel history. All three were able to isolate at home, and contact tracing is ongoing.
Mpox is an infectious disease spread through close contact with an infected person, including intimate or sexual contact, everyday household interactions, and in healthcare settings where protective equipment is not properly used. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated materials such as linen or clothing.
Symptoms include a skin rash or lesions in the mouth, nose, or genital area, lasting two to four weeks, along with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Most patients recover fully, though international reports indicate a small percentage of cases can be fatal. All confirmed cases in Barbados have so far resolved.
The Ministry advises that individuals with Mpox remain isolated until lesions have completely healed and they are no longer contagious. Because the rash can resemble illnesses such as chickenpox, measles, or herpes, suspected cases should seek immediate medical evaluation.
Confirmatory testing is available locally at the Best dos Santos Laboratory. Officials are urging the public to practise good hand hygiene and avoid casual sexual activity with multiple partners to reduce the risk of infection. (MHW)
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