Three confirmed cases of Mpox, formerly called Monkeypox disease, have been identified in three adults since August 2025, according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
The affected individuals — one female and two males — bring the total number of Mpox cases identified in Barbados to six since 2022.
The ministry said the three have no apparent travel history. However, two are known to have been in contact with each other. The cases were able to isolate at home, and contact tracing is continuing.
Mpox is an infectious disease which spreads through close contact with an infected person. It can be spread through intimate or sexual contact, day-to-day household contact, and within healthcare settings where personal protective equipment is not used appropriately. Mpox has also been transmitted by contaminated materials like linen or clothing.
Symptoms of infection with Mpox include skin rash or lesions in the mouth, nose or genitalia, which can last two to four weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Most cases recover fully, however internationally, a small percentage have resulted in death. In Barbados, all Mpox cases to date have resolved.
Persons with Mpox should be isolated until the lesions are completely healed and they are no longer contagious.
As the Mpox rash could appear similar to that of other diseases such as chickenpox, measles, or even herpes, it is important for suspected persons to contact their doctor or trained health-care worker for appropriate guidance. In Barbados, the Best dos Santos Laboratory has the capacity to carry out confirmatory tests for Mpox.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness advises persons to continue practising good hand hygiene and to avoid casual sexual activity with multiple partners. (PR)
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