KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica has heightened its surveillance to detect the mpox virus, to ensure that if cases are identified, they are controlled, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton.

Addressing a virtual press conference, on Thursday, the minister informed that as at August 22, there are no cases of the virus reported, but due to public health risks associated with a single case of mpox, members of the public should take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves from the disease.

“The Government, through the ministry, has heightened its surveillance and notes that the overall goal of surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing in this context is to break chains of human-to-human transmission and stop the outbreak of the disease, should it be detected in the population,” Tufton said.

He added that surveillance is critical at this time, to rapidly identify cases and clusters in order to provide optimal clinical care; isolate cases to prevent further transmission; identify, manage and follow up contacts to recognise early signs of infection; to protect front-line health workers; and identify risk groups and tailor effective control and prevention measures.

“This means that we will increase messaging at our ports, and we will interview travellers who have visited countries of interest in the last six weeks. Anyone with symptoms will be treated according to our protocols. Persons without symptoms will be issued health alert cards and told to contact the health department if they develop symptoms,” the minister said.

Dr Tufton pointed out that there will also be increased surveillance in health facilities as individuals with “suggestive symptoms” and travel history will be tested and treated according to the established protocols.

He said that members of the public are also to advise the health department if they develop signs and symptoms, and where clinicians suspect that a person might be infected with the virus, they must make a report to the health department.

Dr Tufton said the ministry has started its national public education and community engagement programme, and “I implore all Jamaicans to be on alert and to take the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and your family from Mpox and other viral illnesses”.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, said Jamaica has the capacity to test for the virus and noted that mass vaccination of persons against the illness is not recommended, as, for now, the vaccine is for people who have come in contact with people who “have been confirmed to have Mpox”.

Mpox is an infectious disease, which can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick. Anyone can get the illness, as it spreads from contact with infected persons, through touch; kissing or sex; animals when hunting, skinning or cooking them; materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles; and pregnant persons, who may pass the virus on to their unborn babies.

-JIS