Trinidad confirms Yellow Fever in Red Howler Monkey, no human cases reported

Health authorities in Trinidad and Tobago are urging calm after confirming a case of Yellow Fever in a deceased Red Howler Monkey.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry of Health Trinidad and Tobago said laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the virus in the animal, but stressed that there are currently no reported human cases.

“It is important to note that there are no cases in humans,” the ministry stated, adding that surveillance and vector control measures have already been implemented in affected areas.

Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, including the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Health officials said they will continue monitoring the situation closely while providing updates as necessary.

Authorities are also encouraging members of the public to take precautionary measures to reduce mosquito breeding sites and lower the risk of transmission.

Symptoms of Yellow Fever include sudden fever, chills, headache, back pain, nausea, vomiting and jaundice.

The ministry noted that the Yellow Fever vaccine remains a safe and effective form of protection and is available free of charge at health centres across the country. Persons who frequent forested areas — including farmers, hunters and forestry workers — as well as individuals travelling to and from endemic countries, are being urged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.

Officials reiterated that while the case has been confirmed in wildlife, there is currently no need for public alarm as no human infections have been reported.