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Public Health officials have said there’s no cause for concern to the public yet over the global outbreak of mpox.
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said the risk to the islands is “currently very low” following a meeting with health chiefs across the islands last week.
It was called in response to the unfolding spread of a new variant of the virus out of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has reached northern Europe.
Dr Brink said the plan is to continue a watching brief over the situation and ensure the island is prepared to manage any cases should they arise.
“The group will meet again in four to six weeks, or earlier, if there is a significant change in the global situation or if new evidence emerges, that we feel needs more urgent consideration,” she added.
The World Health Organisation has categorised the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern and is planning a major vaccine rollout in central Africa.
Tens of thousands of people have been infected while over 500 have been killed.
Mpox generally causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions, with effects usually clearing up without medical intervention.
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