Chickenpox Cases Detected At Sangre Grande Hospital — Health Ministry Issues Public Advisory

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The Ministry of Health is advising the public that the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) is actively managing several suspected and probable cases of varicella (commonly known as chickenpox), identified among healthcare workers at the Sangre Grande Hospital Campus.

In a Media Release a short while ago this afternoon (Thursday 28th May, 2026), the Ministry said the affected staff members within the ERHA were “identified across several departments, and immediate infection prevention and control measures were implemented in accordance with established public health protocols. These measures include isolating symptomatic individuals, contact tracing, enhanced environmental cleaning, occupational health surveillance, and monitoring exposed persons.”

The Ministry notes that at present, there are no known cases within other Regional Health Authorities. “Healthcare services continue to operate, and there is no indication of widespread community transmission associated with these cases. The situation remains under close surveillance by public health and infection prevention teams.”

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

The Ministry is advising citizens to take the following preventative measures:

  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Avoid close contact with persons displaying fever, rash, or blister-like skin lesions.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes appropriately.
  • Keep children or adults with suspected chickenpox at home and away from school, work, or public gatherings until all lesions have dried and crusted over.
  • Seek medical advice if symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or an itchy blister-like rash develop.
  • Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals who believe they may have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider promptly.

Parents and guardians are also encouraged to ensure that children's immunizations are up-to-date, including chickenpox vaccination where necessary.

Citizens are reminded that calm adherence to public health guidance and responsible infection prevention practices remain the most effective means of limiting spread.

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

More on this as it becomes available.

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