Jamaica confirms second case of monkey pox
CLARENDON, Jamaica – Jamaica has recorded a second case of monkey pox.
The latest victim, a male, recently returned to the island from New York and travelled to a community in Clarendon.
In a release, the Ministry of Health said the patient is in stable condition and is in isolation in a medical facility.
It said the case is being investigated and contact tracing has begun.
Symptoms of monkeypox, a viral disease, include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, muscle ache, lack of energy, and/or rash. Person-to-person spread occurs through: direct contact with monkeypox skin lesions or scabs; contact with clothing or linens (such as bedding or towels) used by an infected person; and coughing or sneezing.
The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). The incubation period is between five and 21 days.
Members of the public who experience fever, intense headache, muscle aches and/or rash on the skin, must immediately isolate and call ahead to their health centre or doctor before visiting.
