Jamaica Confirms First Monkeypox Case
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In an emergency press conference this afternoon, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton confirmed that Jamaica has identified its first Monkeypox case in a man who recently returned to Jamaica from the United Kingdom.
The Minister disclosed that the individual went to the public health system on July 5 after he arrived in Jamaica 5 days earlier. The individual has since been isolated, and persons he came in close contact with have been placed in quarantine.
Tufton informed that should it becomes vital to trace more possible close contacts, contract tracing will continue.
As Christopher Tufton urged Jamaica not to panic, he assures that the country’s emergency response protocols have been activated.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has also made the announcement on Twitter.
Monkeypox, which is caused by the monkeypox virus that is a member of Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae, is normally self-limited with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. The symptoms include fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes. It can also lead to various medical complications.
The virus can be transmitted to humans through close contact with infected individuals or animals, as well as contaminated material.
When Monkeypox is transmitted between humans it can be contracted from lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding, towel, clothing, etc.
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