The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) says all its specialist units are on alert and will work to serve the public if cases of the M-pox virus are introduced in the country.

The assurance follows yesterday’s advisory from the Health and Wellness Ministry for Jamaicans to be alert to the threat of M-pox.

The Ministry’s alert came on the heels of Wednesday’s declaration of the virus as a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO)after outbreaks in parts of Africa.

It is the second time in two years, that the WHO has made such a declaration.

When probed on the UHWI’s readiness in the event Jamaica begins to see cases, Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Carl Bruce said the hospital is on the alert and has systems in place to serve the public if called upon.

Dr. Bruce also noted that the hospital will be working with the Ministry to monitor the m-pox situation.