Approved for Release
The Department of Health and the World Health Organization, wishes to address misinformation surrounding the spread of Mpox or Monkeypox in the country. It is important to clarify that at this stage, there is no confirmed outbreak of Mpox in Papua New Guinea.
The Department of Health is closely collaborating with WHO and other partners to enhance surveillance and response capabilities, secure medical supplies, and resources for testing, including vaccines, should they become available. Efforts are being made to ensure that there is timely communication and support to communities across the country.
The spread of misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and hinder public health efforts. We urge all citizens to rely on information from official sources and avoid sharing unverified news or rumors. The government and health authorities are committed to providing regular updates and ensuring that the public has access to accurate information about mpox and other concerning health issues.
The National Department of Health recognizes the concern of the public and is working diligently with WHO to monitor the situation. However, in the absence of definitive treatment and limited availability of vaccines, basic prevention remains the strongest defense against the potential spread of mpox. Health authorites strongly urge the public to take the following preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities:
- Maintain Personal Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid Close Contact: Refrain from close contact with individuals showing symptoms of mpox, such as skin lesions, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
- Use Protective Gear: When caring for someone suspected of having mpox, wearing gloves and a mask is highly recommended.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates and guidelines from official government channels to ensure accurate information. Avoid spreading rumors or unverified news.
- Report suspected cases to health authorities: Report any suspected cases to the nearest health center in your location as soon as possible.
Mpox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral infection which can spread between people, mainly through sexual contact and/or close contact, and occasionally from the environment to people through items and surfaces that have been touched by a person with mpox.
Common symptoms of mpox include a rash which may last for 2–4 weeks. This may start with, or be followed by, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes). The rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital and/or anal regions.
It is important to also differentiate Mpox from Chicken Pox which is common in PNG. As Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and usually spreads through respiratory droplets, causing an itchy, red rash that progresses into fluid-filled blisters. While chickenpox is highly contagious and more common in children.
The current situation demands vigilance and cooperation from everyone in Papua New Guinea. By following preventive guidelines and supporting each other, we can reduce the potential risks associated with mpox and other infectious diseases.
