The Ministry of Health is on alert to ensure the contagiously and fatal monkeypox disease will not infiltrate Samoa’s border.
Savali reported the Ministry received reports that monkeypox cases are surfacing in New Zealand.
Acting Director General, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen told the Savali they are keeping an eye on the situation in Australia and New Zealand.
“So far we haven’t heard any new cases in Australia, New Zealand just recorded their first case,” Tagaloa said.
He confirmed that the Ministry is monitoring the situation as it develops.
“The public will be informed if anything new comes up.
“Monkeypox has been around for quite some time but at the moment there are cases being reported from other countries so we are monitoring it to see if this virus is now able to be airborne or just through contact.”
Adding there is little information available to confirm whether the current monkeypox virus is airborne.
With no cure for the virus, Tagaloa said that regardless of the virus, precautionary measures remain the same such as avoiding overcrowded places, staying home, wearing a face mask, and getting enough rest.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
