Trinidad health teams track suspected chickenpox cases at Sangre Grande Hospital

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago’s health officials are dealing with several suspected and probable varicella infections, better known as chickenpox, involving healthcare workers at the Sangre Grande Hospital Campus in northeastern Trinidad.

The Ministry of Health said exposed employees in the affected departments have been found and assessed through continuing contact tracing, which is being paired with a focused varicella vaccination drive.

According to the ministry, hospital services are still being delivered, and officials have not seen signs that the cases are linked to broad community spread. Public health and infection prevention personnel are keeping the matter under close watch.

Chickenpox is a common viral illness that is passed chiefly through respiratory droplets or by direct contact with liquid from skin blisters. The ministry noted that children usually experience milder illness, but warned that the infection can be dangerous for pregnant women, newborn babies, people with weakened immune systems, and adults who have never had chickenpox or received the vaccine.

The public is being asked to reduce the risk of infection by washing hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser. People should also stay away from anyone with possible symptoms, including fever, rash, or blister-type skin sores.

Health officials said children and adults who may have chickenpox should remain home and keep away from school, work, and public events until every lesion has dried and crusted over.

Pregnant women and immunocompromised people who think they were exposed are being urged to contact their healthcare provider without delay.

The ministry said it will continue monitoring developments and issue further information if needed, while reminding citizens that following public health advice calmly and practising responsible infection prevention are the best ways to limit spread.