A Jordanian infectious diseases official said on Sunday that monkeypox posed a minimal threat to public health in the kingdom, but that authorities had become more vigilant since the coronavirus.
In the past week, cases of the smallpox-related disease have been reported in several European countries, as well as in North America. In Jordan, a country of 10 million people, there have been no recorded cases amid the current outbreak.
Raeda Kutub, head of Jordan's National Contagious Diseases Centre, told official television that despite the lack of cases, testing capabilities were not yet sufficient to detect it.
Ms Kutub said equipment to help the country's main public laboratory to test for monkeypox — which typically causes fever, chills, rash and lesions — had been ordered.
She said although the monkeypox can kill, it “does not spread quickly.”
“This is a rare disease, but caution is needed,” she said.
The World Health Organisation estimates the disease is fatal for up to one in 10 people, but smallpox vaccines offer protection and some antiviral drugs are being developed.
Ms Kutub pointed out that most of Jordan's population was vaccinated against smallpox, while only 45 per cent had been vaccinated against Covid-19.
“It does not call for panic,” she said. “We learnt from the coronavirus the importance of fast response and we are on alert for any change that could occur.
“If we register any cases, our data will be accurate and conform to international standards.”
Around 1.7 million cases of the coronavirus have been recorded in Jordan and 14,066 people have been officially confirmed to have died of the disease.
Jordanian authorities stopped publishing daily coronavirus data last year and many PCR testing centres have closed in 2022 because of a lack of demand as testing requirements were scrapped.
The latest Ministry of Heath data covering the week from May 7-13 showed that 300 people in Jordan were infected with Covid-19.
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
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- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
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- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
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