The Ministry of Health & Wellness advises that a case of Monkeypox, also called Mpox, has been confirmed in a 31 year old male resident of New Providence. The patient, who has no significant medical or travel history, began experiencing symptoms on the 1st of June. He presented to a physician and was placed in isolation. Subsequently, tests were conducted for Mpox, and confirmed by the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit (NSU). Surveillance and Public Health protocols were activated and remain ongoing.
Last year, the Ministry of Health & Wellness announced that it had retained capacity to test forMonkeypox via the National Reference Laboratory. Vaccines for Monkeypox were also procuredthrough the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for individuals at high risk of exposure. TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) identifies the following individuals at high risk but not exclusivelygay, bisexual and men who have sex with other men (MSM) or individuals with multiple sexualpartners. Other persons at risk of exposure include laboratory personnel performing diagnosticstesting and designated response team members.
Symptoms of Mpox include skin rash/lesions, fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills,and exhaustion. Symptoms can last for two to four weeks. The death rate associated with the diseaseis low, ranging between three to six per cent of persons infected.
The public is encouraged to follow the safety protocols for Mpox which include: washing your handsproperly and often with soap and water, using an alcohol based hand sanitizer until soap and water areavailable, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly, and maintaining physical distance from others,particularly if you feel ill.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have Monkeypox, call your primary care provideror the nearest public health community clinic to arrange a visit to be evaluated. Additional informationcan be obtained by contacting the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit, Mondays –Fridays, 9:00am – 5:00p.m. at telephone numbers 604-9090 or 604-9091; or after hours at 376-3809,376-7143, 376-9907, or 814-6892.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness advises that a case of Monkeypox, also called Mpox, has been
confirmed in a 31 year old male resident of New Providence. The patient, who has no significant
medical or travel history, began experiencing symptoms on the 1st of June. He presented to a physician
and was placed in isolation. Subsequently, tests were conducted for Mpox, and confirmed by the
National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit (NSU). Surveillance and Public Health protocols were
activated and remain ongoing.
Last year, the Ministry of Health & Wellness announced that it had retained capacity to test for
Monkeypox via the National Reference Laboratory. Vaccines for Monkeypox were also procured
through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for individuals at high risk of exposure. The
World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the following individuals at high risk but not exclusively
gay, bisexual and men who have sex with other men (MSM) or individuals with multiple sexual
partners. Other persons at risk of exposure include laboratory personnel performing diagnostics
testing and designated response team members.
Symptoms of Mpox include skin rash/lesions, fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills,
and exhaustion. Symptoms can last for two to four weeks. The death rate associated with the disease
is low, ranging between three to six per cent of persons infected.
The public is encouraged to follow the safety protocols for Mpox which include: washing your hands
properly and often with soap and water, using an alcohol based hand sanitizer until soap and water are
available, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly, and maintaining physical distance from others,
particularly if you feel ill.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have Monkeypox, call your primary care provider
or the nearest public health community clinic to arrange a visit to be evaluated. Additional information
can be obtained by contacting the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit, Mondays –
Fridays, 9:00am – 5:00p.m. at telephone numbers 604-9090 or 604-9091; or after hours at 376-3809,
376-7143, 376-9907, or 814-6892.
