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Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness urges citizens to World Health Organization The World Health Organization declared the disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The island has recorded More than 20 cases In 2023.
What is Mpox?
Monkeypox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease spread through close contact, including sexual activity, skin-to-skin contact, or even talking or breathing in close proximity with an infected person.
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is in the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. While monkeypox is not related to chickenpox, it shares similarities with smallpox, especially the rash it causes. The rash goes through several stages, including scabs that eventually heal. The disease is primarily zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. The virus is endemic to Central and West Africa and is found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals in those areas.
Mpox was first discovered in 1970 in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and for decades the virus was largely confined to Central and West Africa. However, in 2022, the virus began to spread globally, with cases reported in Europe, North America, and other regions. The WHO previously declared Mpox a global health emergency in July 2022, but ended that declaration in May 2023. However, a recent resurgence has renewed concerns.
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Two types
There are two known clades, or strains, of the monkeypox virus: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I is endemic to Central Africa and causes more severe illness, known to kill up to 10% of those infected in some outbreaks. However, recent outbreaks have had lower mortality rates. Clade II, responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022, causes milder illness with a survival rate of over 99.9%. This clade is endemic to West Africa.
Worryingly, Sweden recently reported its first case of the more dangerous Mpox1 outside of Africa, marking a major development in the spread of the disease. The patient is believed to have contracted the virus while traveling in an area of Africa that is currently experiencing a large outbreak of Mpox1.
Jamaica issues warning
In light of these developments, Jamaica’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, has issued a stark warning. She advises: “If you develop a fever and rash following recent international travel or close contact with someone who has travelled within the previous three weeks, you must report it to the health department.” Dr. Bisasor McKenzie also stressed that health workers should remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the parish health department promptly.
The incubation period for Mpox is usually 6 to 13 days, but can be as long as 5 to 21 days. Symptoms can be mild or severe and include fever, chills, severe headache, fatigue, backache, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash that may be itchy or painful. While the illness is usually self-limited, with symptoms usually resolving within 14 to 21 days, severe cases can be fatal. Children and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to severe outcomes.
As the global community grapples with this new threat, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness urges all citizens to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others from the Jamaican Pox Virus.
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