Jamaica can now conduct testing for monkeypox virus

Jamaica is now able to conduct testing for the monkeypox virus.

This follows a regional training in laboratory detection and diagnosis of the viral condition arranged by the National Public Health Laboratory in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO)

Chief Medical Officer, Dr.Jacqueline Bisasor-McKenzie said the workshop is part of the public health system’s preparedness and response activities in the case of an outbreak.

Dr Bisasor-Mckenzie said human monkeypox virus, if found in Jamaica, would be considered an exotic or unusual communicable disease and should therefore be reported as a Class 1 notifiable disease.

She said healthcare workers (public and private) must report cases immediately on suspicion to the respective parish health department and the National Surveillance Unit.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease spread primarily through animals.

While person-to-person spread is uncommon, it may occur through direct contact with an infected individual.

Infection typically results in symptoms including fever, back pain and muscle pain, the formation of lesions and skin rashes.

There are no confirmed cases of the monkeypox virus in Jamaica at this time.