The Ministry of Health has confirmed that several suspected and probable cases of varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, have been identified among healthcare workers at the Sangre Grande Hospital Campus.
In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry said the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) was actively managing the situation and had implemented a series of public health measures aimed at containing the spread of the viral illness.
According to the ministry, exposed staff members across affected departments have been identified through ongoing contact tracing exercises and assessed for inclusion in a targeted vaccination drive.
To support the intervention, vaccine supplies have already been mobilised and distributed to the affected health regions, with priority being given to frontline healthcare workers.
Public health surveillance teams have also been deployed to conduct education and sensitisation sessions with hospital staff on varicella transmission, prevention measures and infection control protocols.
The ministry stated that healthcare services at the hospital remain operational and there is currently no indication of widespread community transmission linked to the cases.
“The situation remains under close surveillance by public health and infection prevention teams,” the statement said.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral illness spread mainly through respiratory droplets or direct contact with fluid from skin lesions. While the illness is generally mild in children, health officials warned that it can pose serious risks to pregnant women, newborns, immunocompromised individuals and adults who have never had the infection or received vaccination.
The ministry urged members of the public to practise proper hygiene and infection prevention measures, including regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with persons displaying symptoms such as fever, rash or blister-like skin lesions.
Citizens were also advised to keep persons with suspected chickenpox at home and away from school, work and public gatherings until all lesions have dried and crusted over.
The ministry further advised pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals who believe they may have been exposed to seek medical advice promptly.
Parents and guardians were encouraged to ensure children’s immunisations are up to date, including vaccination against chickenpox where necessary.
The Ministry of Health said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates if required.
Officials also urged the public to remain calm and follow public health guidance, noting that responsible infection prevention practices remain the most effective way to limit the spread of the disease.