Second Monkeypox Case confirmed in Jamaica
July 25, 2022
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Sunday, July 24, 2022: A second case of Monkeypox has been confirmed in Jamaica. This is another imported case in a male traveler who recently returned to the island from New York. The patient is now in isolation and is in stable condition. The case is being investigated and contact tracing has begun.
In the meantime, Jamaicans are again being urged to remain vigilant by heightening their adherence to the infection prevention measures for COVID-19 which are effective in limiting spread of Monkeypox, notably, frequent handwashing/sanitisation, mask-wearing and physical distancing.
Spread of Monkeypox may occur when a person comes into close contact with an infected animal or individual. Person-to-person spread may occur through:
- direct contact with Monkeypox skin lesions or scabs;
- contaminated personal items such as clothing, bed linen or towels used by an infected person; and
- respiratory droplets by way of coughing or sneezing of an individual with a Monkeypox rash.
Symptoms of Monkeypox are usually mild to moderate and include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, muscle ache, and/or rash on the skin.
Members of the public who experience these warning signs must immediately isolate and call ahead to their health centre or doctor before visiting.
For additional information on Monkeypox, members of public can visit the Ministry’s website (www.moh.gov.jm) or contact their Parish Health Department.
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