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Health authorities are continuing to fine-tune their preparations in case any Mpox cases enter the country’s shores
By Aabigayle McIntosh
The Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has developed a policy to ensure the safety of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and other personnel if they are called to respond to suspected cases of the viral infection.
EMS Director Shawn Greenidge said the policy applies to personnel involved in the assessment, transport, and medical care of patients with suspected or confirmed Mpox.
EMTs are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating patients who show symptoms of Mpox, such as fever and a rash, or those who have recently traveled to areas where the disease is endemic.
The policy also mandates the cleaning of any equipment and surfaces that the patient may have come into contact with. Ambulances or response vehicles used to transport a suspected Mpox case must also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Additionally, EMTs are required to report any suspected or confirmed cases to public health authorities.
At this time, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of Mpox in Antigua and Barbuda.
The World Health Organization has classified the disease as a public health emergency of international concern
I hope that we learn our lesson from the other global pandemic, and can prepare our selves for the worst.