The Ministry of Health and Wellness has dismissed as fake a “press release” purportedly from the ministry that downplays the monkeypox disease.
In the document circulating online under the headline, “Debunking Monkeypox Myths”, the ministry purportedly urges calm and a “return to normalcy”.
It states that monkeypox symptoms are mild and treatments are routine and available, noting that no one has died from the disease during the ongoing global outbreak.
In a tweet Sunday morning with the hashtag #fakenews, the ministry advised the public that it sent out no such release.
Jamaica confirmed its first case of monkeypox last week. The patient presented to the public health system on July 5, having arrived in Jamaica some five days earlier from the United Kingdom.
Symptoms of monkeypox, a viral disease, include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, muscle ache, lack of energy, and/or rash. Person-to-person spread occurs through: direct contact with monkeypox skin lesions or scabs; contact with clothing or linens (such as bedding or towels) used by an infected person; and coughing or sneezing.
The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). The incubation period is between five and 21 days.
Members of the public who experience fever, intense headache, muscle aches and/or rash on the skin, must immediately isolate and call ahead to their health centre or doctor before visiting.
