Jamaica has confirmed its first case of Monkeypox, a viral disease that usually presents with mild to moderate symptoms. Those symptoms include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, muscle ache, lack of energy, and/or rash.
The first confirmed case on the island is a male who recently travelled from the United Kingdom. He presented to the public health system on July 5, having arrived in Jamaica some five days earlier. He has been isolated and his close contacts quarantined, following contact tracing.
Speaking at a press conference on the subject earlier today, Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton revealed that emergency protocols have been triggered, in line with International Health Regulations.
“Among other things, our Emergency Operations Centre has been activated; a review of all isolation facilities is to be done to look at the capacity to manage both Monkeypox and COVID-19; the necessary health protocols, including surveillance, clinical management, laboratory management, as well as infection prevention and control, are being completed for distribution to health teams islandwide,” the Minister said.
“Sensitisation of the health team and members of the public, which began more than a month ago, is being enhanced,” Dr. Tufton added, while cautioning the public against panic.
“You have no reason to panic; rather, be careful,” the Minister noted.
The first human case of Monkeypox was confirmed in a child in the equatorial region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. Since then, sporadic cases have been reported from the rainforest areas of central and western Africa while large outbreaks have occurred mainly in the DRC where the disease is currently considered endemic. The United States has had imported cases.
This year, in addition to the United States, the WHO has reported cases in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and The United Kingdom.
Spread of Monkeypox may occur when a person comes into close contact with an infected animal. Person-to-person spread is uncommon, but may occur through:
- direct contact with monkeypox skin lesions or scabs;
- contact with clothing or linens (such as bedding or towels) used by an infected person; and
- coughing or sneezing of an individual with a Monkeypox rash.
The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). The incubation period is between 5 and 21 days.
Members of the public who experience fever, intense headache, muscle aches and/or rash on the skin, must immediately isolate and call ahead to their health centre or doctor before visiting. All members of the public should wear a mask, frequently wash hands and practice physical distancing, as part of infection prevention and control efforts.
For additional information on Monkeypox, members of public can visit the Ministry’s website (www.moh.gov.jm) or contact their local Public Health Department.