CMO Update on COVID-19 and Monkeypox

As of July 8th, 2022 Saint Lucia has diagnosed a total of 27,254 cases of COVID-19 in country, with 143 active cases. The daily infection rate for the last 7 days is 11.4 per 100,000 population per day, with a 20% average testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 0.91. We have noted a total of 385 COVID-19 deaths. We have 5 positive COVID-19 cases admitted at the Respiratory Hospital. This past week we continue to register cases daily although we note the general hesitance by the population to testing of symptomatic and direct contacts of cases. We estimate that the actual number of positive cases to be higher than recorded. 

Globally, the number of weekly cases continues to increase for the 4th consecutive week. The Omicron Variant of Concern (VOC) continues to be the dominant variant circulating. Among Omicron lineages, the proportions of BA5 and BA4 continue to increase. In some countries, the increases have led to surges in hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths. COVID-19 vaccination is still expected to provide substantial protection against severe disease although it is noted that the coverage is lowest with these as compared to the original disease. BA4 and BA5 are the fastest spreading variants reported to date. 

In an effort to manage COVID19 cases in country, the Ministry of Health has received 105 vials of the COVID-19 anti-viral drug tocilizumab 400mg from PAHO. This drug will be used to treat severe cases of COVID-19. 

Saint Lucia has received notification from CARPHA of our first confirmed case of BA5. The case is a 36 year old female from Vieux Fort who does not have a history of travel. This suggests in country transmission of BA5 and the presence of other cases. 

As we continue to note the return to normalcy with the opening up of events and mass crowd activities, we need to ensure that the proven public health protective measures are in place to prevent us from getting sick and to protect the most vulnerable. The public is reminded that the threat of COVID-19, long COVID-19 and its complications still exists, especially given Saint Lucia’s low immunization rate. Personal responsibility is extremely important at this time, to reduce transmission of infection to ourselves and our family. The public is guided to continue the use of facemasks in public, ensure hand washing and proper general sanitization. The public is also advised to use their discretion, ensure they and their vulnerable family members are fully vaccinated and boosted before attending mass crowd events. 

The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the multi country Monkeypox outbreak and has increased its surveillance for early detection and management of cases. From January 1, to July 4, 2022, 6027 laboratory confirmed cases and 3 deaths have been reported. Of concern is that most of the confirmed cases reported travel history to countries in Europe and North America. The risk is presently assessed as moderate by WHO as this is the first time that many Monkeypox cases and clusters are reported in non-endemic and endemic countries. 

On Friday June 24, 2022 the Ministry of Health reported on the alert received from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention of the contacts of a positive crew member. The contact tracing and self-monitoring of those exposed were carried out. Presently, everyone who was exposed has been cleared and in good health. Saint Lucia has not recorded any cases of Monkeypox to date. 

The signs and symptoms of Monkeypox include rash (macules, papules, vesicles, pustules and scabs), fever, enlarged lymph nodes, back pain and muscle pain. Testing for Monkeypox in the region is facilitated through the CARPHA. Patients with Monkeypox are managed for their symptoms like fever and pain. Nutrition and rehydration are particularly important. Some patients may develop severe and life threatening complications. 

More information on these diseases of concern at this time will be provided in further updates.