MONKEYPOX has been added to Jersey’s list of ‘notifiable diseases’ and an advisory cell established, as authorities prepare for the disease’s possible arrival in the Island.
The virus was added to the list yesterday. It features illnesses that have to be reported to the medical officer of health if cases are detected.
Numbers of monkeypox infections are rising in the UK, but the risk of catching the disease there or in Jersey remains low, according to the government.
There are currently no confirmed cases in any of the Channel Islands.
However, a Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell has been set up to respond alongside the existing Strategic Co-ordination Group, should cases be identified on the Island.
Professor Peter Bradley, director of public health, said: ‘This is a new STAC which has been convened to discuss the technical response to this emerging issue.
‘Work is being undertaken across the Crown Dependencies so we are ready should cases emerge.
‘SCG has met to ensure good preparedness.’
Health Minister Richard Renouf, who signed the order to make monkeypox a notifiable disease, said: ‘I’d like to reassure Islanders that this is a precautionary measure.
‘It is also reassuring that officers across government are working to ensure that plans are in place should we need to respond.’
A webpage at gov.je/monkeypox has been established to provide the latest information and advice.
Monkeypox is a viral infection which is usually associated with travel to West Africa, but can be spread by very close contact with someone who has it or by contact with their clothing or linens. It normally causes mild infection and most people recover within weeks without specific treatment.
Initial symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A rash can develop, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genitals.
Any Islander who is concerned about new and unusual rashes or lesions should contact their GP or the sexual health clinic, initially by phone.
All calls will be treated in strict confidence.
