Solomon Islands is on Level 2 Alert for Monkeypox, while this is considered low there is still some risk for the general population in the country.

Those at our entry ports, both air and sea, have been advised to maintain Level 3 (moderate) alert, activating all necessary systems and checks, due to the opening of borders and the influx of travellers.

On July 23, 2022, the WHO Director-General declared the escalating global Monkeypox outbreak, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

This means that the world is experiencing an outbreak of Monkeypox that has spread rapidly and has adverse repercussions on public health globally.

The declaration is important to notify countries around the world including those without a history of Monkeypox like the Solomon Islands to start planning and taking actions to mitigate the potential importation, spread, and impact of Monkeypox.

Following the announcement, the National Health Emergency Operation Centre (NHEOC) of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services convened a meeting this week to discuss the situation and map out necessary actions relevant at this stage.

Monkeypox virus

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. Before 2022, Monkeypox has been reported in central and western African Countries.

In the current outbreak in 2022, globally 20,638 cases of Monkeypox are registered in over 77 countries. Of these countries, 71 are the ones who have historically not reported cases of Monkeypox and have now reported 20,311 cases.

The remaining 327 cases have been reported from 6 cases countries where Monkeypox is regularly reported. Australia with weekly flights to Honiara has also registered cases of Monkeypox.

As of July 27th, 2022, Australia recorded a total of 44 cases both confirmed and probable in New South Wales, Victoria, Australia Capital Territory, Queensland, and South Australia. One case of Monkeypox has been reported in New Caledonia.

In the Solomon Islands, there are no reported cases of Monkeypox and therefore, like COVID-19 it can only enter the country via international arrivals.

Those infected with Monkeypox will typically experience symptoms which includes:
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
• 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.
o The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Source: With MHMS Media