August 11, 2022
Jamaica has confirmed the third case of the Monkeypox virus. This is the first locally-acquire case which indicated that the patient has no recent travel history as well as has not been linked to the two previously declared cases.
The patient is currently in isolation at home as well as remains in stable condition. The case is being investigated, as well as contact tracing has started.
During the festival season, Jamaicans are once more reminded to be cautious by tightening their adherence to the COVID-19 infection prevention methods, which are successful in reducing the transmission of monkeypox, particularly regular handwashing/sanitization, mask-wearing, and physical separation.
Additionally, Jamaicans are exhorted to engage in safer sex practices.
In addition to this, intimate contact with an infected person may result in the transmission of monkeypox.
Person-to-person spread may occur through:
Direct skin-to-skin contact with lesions or scabs from monkeypox, including,
-Close personal contact
-Sexual contact
• Respiratory droplets from the sneezing or coughing of a person with a monkeypox rash.
• Contact with contaminated personal objects, such as contaminated clothing, bed linen, or towels used by an infected person.
Monkeypox symptoms often range from mild to moderate and include fever, a severe headache, lymph node swelling, back discomfort, muscular aches, and/or a skin rash.
When the public notices these symptoms, they should immediately separate themselves and make an appointment with their doctor or local health centre.
The Ministry of health and wellness of Jamaica declared the first case of monkeypox on July 6. It is the second Caribbean nation to report a case of the disease until now.
Along with this, the Ministry assured the people of Jamaica that emergency health protocols had been activated in accordance with international standards, including a review of all isolation facilities to manage both monkeypox as well as COVID-19 infection.