Minister of Health Confirms First Locally Transmitted Case of Monkeypox in Jamaica
The Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Tufton, confirmed the first locally transmitted case of the Monkeypox virus in the country on Friday, August 5, weeks after the first imported case was reported on July 6.
During the ceremony to mark the resumption of construction work on the Western Children & Adolescents Hospital in St James, Dr Tufton disclosed that the case was confirmed a couple of hours prior to his announcement. Dr Tufton stated that the patient had apparently contracted the virus from someone already in the country infected with Monkeypox. He noted that the patient would be quarantined at home and told journalists that they would continue with home quarantines in future cases as long as the individual is cooperative.
The Minister of Health also said that the local transmission of the disease was anticipated and ministry officials were currently in dialogue with medical teams in multiple parishes, reviewing protocols as well as how they address public information and concerns about vaccines.
Minister Tufton added that an additional statement would be issued soon.
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