KINGSTON, Jamaica – Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says surveillance at the island’s ports of entry has been heightened in response to the growing threat of mpox.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Tufton said that based on this, persons coming into the island from countries where the virus has been confirmed will have to undergo additional screening.
The warning follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency on August 14.
Tufton noted that given the openness of Jamaica’s border and the normal operations of international travel, the country has been on high alert for the virus.
Tufton added that surveillance will be increased in health facilities with the goal of rapidly identifying cases, isolating cases if they occur, to protect front line health care workers and identify risk groups.
He said the ministry has begun its national Public Education and Community Engagement Programme to educate Jamaicans about the virus.
