Jamaica has recorded an additional case of the monkeypox virus, bringing the case total to 14 as of yesterday (September 25).

This is the 12th locally transmitted case on the island, with only two cases reported as being internationally transmitted.

It has been over two months since the first case of monkeypox was recorded on the island on July 5.

Since then, the virus has continued to slowly spread with the majority of the cases being recorded in Kingston and St Andrew.

The two main parishes now have a combined total of seven recorded cases, inclusive of the newly reported case.

Clarendon, St James and St Elizabeth maintain their number of two reported cases each with Manchester only having one reported case.

So far eight people who tested positive for the virus have recovered with three recovering last week.

However, five active cases remain and there is still one potential monkeypox-related death under investigation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging citizens to take the necessary precautionary measures to combat the virus.

How does monkeypox spread?

The spread of monkeypox may occur when a person comes into close contact with an infected individual. Person-to-person spread may occur through:

• direct contact with monkeypox skin lesions or scabs, including:
• sexual contact
• close personal contact
• contact with contaminated personal items such as clothing, bed linen or towels used by an infected person; and
• respiratory droplets by way of coughing or sneezing of an individual with a monkeypox rash.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of monkeypox are usually mild to moderate and include:

• fever
• intense headache
• swelling of the lymph nodes
• back pain
• muscle ache
• and/or rash on the skin

Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms should immediately isolate and call ahead to their health centre or doctor before visiting.