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There are "no plans" for mass vaccination against Monkeypox, Jersey's Public Health Director has said after the island's first case of the infection was officially confirmed.
On Friday, Health Minister Deputy Karen Wilson confirmed that contact-tracing was underway after a "highly probable" case was identified.
Director of Public Health Professor Peter Bradley this afternoon said the case had been "positively confirmed" and reiterated that contacts were being traced and offered vaccinations.
Express asked if there were plans to offer the vaccine against Monkeypox more widely across the island.
Professor Bradley said that, for now, this was not on the agenda.
“In keeping with all other jurisdictions there are no plans for mass vaccination. However vaccination is currently being offered to the following: (a) healthcare workers who are likely to deal with monkeypox; and (b) people who are contacts of cases," he said.
Pictured: Images of Monkeypox cases. (UK Health Security Agency, NHS England and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control/WHO)
Professor Bradley added that the Government was working with the UK on "plans to vaccinate people at particularly high risk of infection".
He noted, however, that the disease was "rare", with fewer than 3,000 cases identified in the UK to date.
Express also asked for confirmation of the island's testing capability and capacity, but is yet to receive a response.
Recent unexpected or unusual spots, ulcers or blisters anywhere on your body, usually following a three to four-day history of:
Fever
Headaches
Muscle aches
Chills and exhaustion
Swollen glands
Professor Bradley said: “If anyone is concerned about possible Monkeypox symptoms advice is available through your GP or the Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) helpline (Tel: 01534 442856). We would urge people to avoid close physical contact with others should they develop symptoms until they have received medical advice. It is important to phone ahead before attending any appointment in-person."
More information can be found HERE.
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