Cayman health officials have increased their vigilance following reports of the first case of mpox in the United Kingdom.
At this time, there have been no suspected or confirmed cases of mpox reported in the Cayman Islands in 2024, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent said in a statement this week.
“The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to stay vigilant regarding any new mpox cases reported internationally. Should the need arise, the Cayman Islands has a comprehensive response plan in place to manage any potential or suspected mpox cases locally,” he said.
‘No immediate risk to the Cayman Islands’
Gent said the recently reported case of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, involved an individual who tested positive for clade 1b mpox after returning from travels to countries in Africa that are experiencing community cases of clade 1b.
“While there is no immediate risk to the Cayman Islands, the Ministry is prepared to respond to any potential developments and will provide timely updates to the public. In the meantime, our primary recommendation is that residents remain informed about mpox symptoms and practice good hygiene to help prevent any potential spread of infections,” Gent said.
Cayman’s response strategy, he said, includes collaboration across the network of local healthcare facilities, ensuring that hospitals and health professionals are well prepared to act swiftly and effectively.
“Individuals infected with mpox will notice that symptoms usually start 5 to 21 days later and often get better by themselves over 2 to 4 weeks,” he said.
The UK National Health Service says mpox is caused by a similar virus to smallpox and the “smallpox (MVA) vaccine should give a good level of protection against mpox”.
Mpox, it said in a health advisory, is usually mild and can get better within a few weeks without treatment.
“But if your symptoms are more severe and you become unwell, you will need treatment in hospital,” it added.
Mpox symptoms
Symptoms of mpox can include fever, headache, flu-like symptoms, including muscle and back aches, shivering, tiredness, and swollen glands that feel like lumps in the neck, armpits or groin.
A blistering rash usually starts 1 to 5 days after other symptoms. The rash may start on the face or in the genital area and may spread to other parts of the body.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is encouraging all residents and travellers to seek medical advice if they experience any of these symptoms within 4 weeks of having visited Africa, or if they have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with mpox, even if they are currently well.
Individuals are advised to avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice.
Health centre contacts for mpox advice:
HSA George Town – 949-8600 (select option 2) between 7am- 7pm,
916-8301 between 7 pm-7am and weekends
Health City East End – 325-6892
Doctors Hospital Georgetown – 325-9000
Faith Hospital, Cayman Brac – 948-2243
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