Based on recent reports of the emergence of some new cases of monkeypox internationally, the Ministry of Health is updating the island on the implications locally.
Monkeypox is not a novel or new virus. The first case was identified in 1970 and the disease is endemic in several countries, meaning that it is regularly found among particular people, or in certain areas, such as in the tropical rain-forested areas of West and Central Africa.
However, as of May 21, 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported ninety-two (92) laboratory confirmed cases, and twenty-eight (28) suspected cases, of monkeypox in 12 of its Member States where the virus is not endemic. This particular outbreak has gained international attention because cases have been confirmed in several different countries at the same time, and in persons with no reported travel history to countries where the virus is endemic.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection transmitted from animals to humans. It is usually a mild illness that does not spread easily between people and gets better by itself, with most people recovering within a few weeks. Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals.
The rash changes and goes through different stages, and can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab which later falls off. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) and doesn’t usually spread easily between people. Spread can occur when a person comes into close contact, including sexual contact, with someone or something contaminated with the virus.
At this stage, public health investigations are ongoing in non-endemic countries that have identified cases, including extensive case finding and contact tracing, laboratory investigation, clinical management and isolation provided with supportive care. Health authorities are on alert for the appearance of patients presenting with an abnormal or strange rash that progresses in stages, ultimately forming crusts that are often associated with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.
Persons should seek medical care immediately if they develop new, unexplained skin rash (lesions on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills, and avoid contact with others.
If possible, call ahead before going to a healthcare facility. Tell your doctor if in the month before developing symptoms, you:
? have had face-to-face exposure, direct physical contact with skin or skin lesions, including sexual contact; or contact with contaminated materials such as clothing, bedding or utensils to a probable or confirmed case of monkeypox in the 21 days before symptom onset
? have travelled to a monkeypox endemic country in the 21 days before symptom onset
? have had multiple or anonymous sexual partners in the 21 days before symptom onset
The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates through our media partners and our official Facebook page.
– Press Release
