The Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised that a second case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Jamaica.
This is while the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday declared monkeypox to be a global pandemic
In a release, the ministry said: “This is another imported case in a male traveller who recently returned to the island from New York (in the United States). The patient is now in isolation and is in stable condition. The case is being investigated and contact tracing has begun.”
In the meantime, the ministry said Jamaicans are again being urged to remain vigilant by heightening their adherence to the infection-prevention measures for COVID-19, which are effective in limiting the spread of monkeypox. The measures were listed as frequent handwashing/sanitisation, mask wearing and physical distancing.
The ministry further said spread of monkeypox may occur when a person comes into close contact with an infected animal or individual.
It elaborated that person-to-person spread may occur through:
• Direct contact with monkeypox skin lesions or scabs;
• Contaminated personal items, such as clothing, bed linen or towels that were used by an infected person; and
• Respiratory droplets by way of coughing or sneezing of an individual with a monkeypox rash.
The health authorities said the symptoms of monkeypox are usually mild to moderate, and include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, muscle ache, and/or rash on the skin.
Members of the public who experience these warning signs are advised to immediately isolate and call ahead to their health centre or doctor before visiting.
For additional information on monkeypox, members of public can visit the Health Ministry’s website (www.moh.gov.jm) or contact their parish health department.