KINGSTON, Jamaica. Thursday, August 15, 2024: The Ministry of Health & Wellness has noted the declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) and wishes to alert the country that while there are presently no cases of Mpox reported, members of the public should take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves from this disease.

Mpox is a rare disease that is similar to smallpox and can be transmitted by contact and droplet exposure.  The outbreak in 2022 was largely among men who have sex with men and was controlled through vaccination and behaviour modification. Safe sexual practices along with practicing physical distancing, mask wearing, and frequent hand sanitization will reduce the likelihood of transmission of the Mpox virus.    

According to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, “Persons must report to the health department if fever and rash occurs following recent international travel or close contact with persons who travelled within the preceding three weeks. Healthcare workers are also to have a heightened sense of awareness of this illness and report suspected cases to the parish health department.”

In countries where Mpox is endemic:

• Human to human transmission of Mpox occurs by contact and droplet exposure via exhaled large droplets.
• The incubation period of Mpox is usually from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. 
• Symptoms can be mild or severe, and associated with skin rash that can be very itchy or painful.  Severe disease may be fatal.
• The disease is often self-limiting with symptoms usually resolving spontaneously within 14 to 21 days.
• Symptoms include fever, chills, intense headaches, exhaustion, backache, muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes, and rash.
• Children are at higher risk, and Mpox during pregnancy may lead to complications, congenital Mpox or stillbirth
• The virus is normally found in animals, but the disease may be transmitted from animals to humans, usually through bites or scratches or consumption of bush meat.  
• Milder cases of Mpox may go undetected and represent a risk of person-to-person transmission. There is likely to be little immunity to the infection in those travelling.

For more information on Mpox, please contact your parish health department or call 888-ONE-LOVE (663-5683).