KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Health and Wellness has indicated that there are no reported cases of monkeypox in Jamaica at present but has sought to remind the public that should anyone develop a fever and a rash following recent international travel, a report must be made to the relevant authorities.

In a release issued a short while ago, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, also shared that “healthcare workers are to have a heightened sense of awareness of this illness and report suspected cases to the health department.”

The health ministry also said that at present, the COVID-19 practices of physical distancing, mask wearing and frequent hand sanitisation will reduce the likelihood of transmission of the monkeypox virus.

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is similar to smallpox and can be transmitted by contact and droplet exposure but the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that the current outbreak is mainly being spread through sexual contact.

Over the last two weeks, monkeypox outbreaks have been reported in Europe, North America and Australia.

Most cases are linked to people with recent travel to countries where monkeypox is endemic, mainly in the region of West Africa.

The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days. Symptoms can be mild or severe and associated with a skin rash that can be very itchy or painful. Severe disease may be fatal. Symptoms include fever, chills, intense headaches, exhaustion, backache, muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes, and rash.

Children are said to be at higher risk and monkeypox during pregnancy may lead to complications, congenital monkeypox or stillbirth.