Chickenpox cases detected among health workers in Sangre Grande

The Ministry of Health says the Eastern Regional Health Authority is managing several suspected and probable cases of varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, among healthcare workers at the Sangre Grande Hospital Campus.

In a public health advisory issued today, the ministry said the affected healthcare workers were identified across several departments within the ERHA.

The ministry said officials immediately implemented infection prevention and control measures in line with established public health protocols. These include isolating symptomatic individuals, contact tracing, enhanced environmental cleaning, occupational health surveillance, and monitoring exposed persons.

According to the ministry, there are currently no known cases within the other Regional Health Authorities, and healthcare services continue to operate as normal.

The ministry also said there was no indication of widespread community transmission linked to the cases.

Chickenpox is a viral illness spread mainly through respiratory droplets or direct contact with fluid from skin lesions. While the illness is often mild in children, the ministry warned that it can pose greater risks to pregnant women, newborns, immunocompromised people, and adults who have never had the infection or vaccination.

The ministry urged members of the public to wash their hands regularly, avoid close contact with anyone displaying fever, rash, or blister-like skin lesions, and cover coughs and sneezes appropriately.

It also advised parents and guardians to keep children with suspected chickenpox away from school and public gatherings until all lesions have dried and crusted over.

People experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or an itchy blister-like rash were urged to seek medical advice.

The ministry further advised pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals who believe they may have been exposed to contact their healthcare provider promptly.

Parents and guardians were also encouraged to ensure children’s immunisations are up to date, including chickenpox vaccination where necessary.

The Ministry of Health said it continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates if necessary.