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Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton said Jamaica has stepped up surveillance for the Mpox virus to ensure that if cases are detected, they are contained.
The minister said in a virtual press conference today (August 22) that as of August 22, no cases of the virus have been reported, but as a case of Mpox would pose a public health risk, the public should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the disease.
“The government, through the Ministry of Health, has intensified surveillance, noting that the overall goal of surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing in this context is to interrupt the chain of human-to-human transmission and stop the outbreak if it is detected in the population,” the minister said.
He added that surveillance is critical at this time to rapidly detect cases and clusters to provide optimal clinical care; isolate cases to prevent onward transmission; identify, manage and follow up contacts to identify early signs of infection; protect frontline health workers; and identify risk groups and develop effective control and prevention measures.
“This means we will increase messaging at ports and will interview travellers who have visited the relevant countries in the past six weeks. Anyone who develops symptoms will be treated in accordance with our protocols. People without symptoms will receive a health alert card and be told to contact health authorities if they develop symptoms,” the minister said.
Dr. Tufton noted that medical institutions will also increase monitoring, and people with “suggestive symptoms” and travel history will be tested and treated according to established protocols.
He said the public should also notify health authorities if they experience signs and symptoms, and if clinicians suspect someone may be infected with the virus, they must report it to health authorities.
Dr Tufton said the Ministry of Health has launched a national public education and community engagement programme and “I implore all Jamaicans to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from Jamaica pox and other viral illnesses”.
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie said Jamaica has the capacity to test for the virus, noting that mass vaccination is not recommended as it is currently only for people who have come into contact with someone “confirmed to have Mpox.”
Poxvirus is an infectious disease that causes a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
Most people recover fully, but some become seriously ill.
Anyone can get the disease as it can be spread through contact with an infected person; through kissing or sexual intercourse; when hunting, skinning or cooking animals; through contact with materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothing or needles; and by pregnant women, who can pass the virus to their unborn babies.
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