Mpox Health Alert

The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) has issued a health alert in response to the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern, by the World Health Organization (WHO). There are currently no active cases reported in Jamaica, but the disease is contagious, therefore all precautions must be taken as some strains are deadly.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral illness. Human-to-human transmission of mpox occurs by contact and droplet exposure. Additionally, children are at a higher risk, and contracting mpox during pregnancy may lead to complications, congenital mpox or stillbirth.

Symptoms of Mpox

The symptoms of mpox include:

• skin rash
• chills
• intense headaches
• exhaustion
• backache/muscle ache
• swollen lymph nodes

People with mpox are infectious until all sores have been healed and a new layer of skin has been formed. Some persons experience milder cases of mpox and may present with no symptoms, as a result, they would go undetected and risk person-to-person transmission.

Prevention of Mpox

To prevent the transmission of mpox, persons should:

• frequently wash hands and sanitise surfaces
• wear masks
• practise safe sex
• practise physical distancing

Suspected cases of mpox should be reported to the nearest health department.

For additional information contact:

The Ministry of Health and Wellness
10-16 Grenada Cresent
Kingston 5
Tel: 876-633-8172/ 876-633-7771
Email: info@moh.gov.jm
Website: www.moh.gov.jm
Facebook: themohgovjm
Instagram: themohwgovjm
X: @themohwgovjm