BAGUIO CITY – Health authorities advise the public to be cautious despite zero Mpox cases in the region during the Kapihan sa Cordillera Health Media Conference on September 11 at the DOH-CAR training Center.
For the second time since July 2022, the latest Mpox outbreak was declared a public health emergency of global concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 14, 2024. Twenty-three (23) confirmed cases have been reported nationwide since 2022, where there are 14 active cases and nine recovered cases as of September 10, 2024. The nine cases that have recovered date back to 2022, while the active cases are from this year. Moreover, there currently are no reported cases in CAR.
The monkeypox virus (MPVX) is part of the genus Orthopoxvirus in the Poxviridae family. As of now, there are two recognized clades: Clade I (subclades Ia and Ib) which has a higher risk for severe disease, and Clade II (subclades IIa and IIb) which is milder. The main means of transmission for Mpox is intimate contact with an infected person, such as kissing, hugging, cuddling, and sexual contact.
Symptoms include skin rashes or mucosal lesions which can last 2-4 weeks accompanied by: fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
The public is advised to avoid skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that could be Mpox, avoid sharing personal items like towels or bedding, and wash hands regularly, especially before eating or touching the face. To reduce the risk of Mpox, the public is likewise reminded to stay informed about Mpox cases in our areas. If one has symptoms or suspects exposure, they must isolate and contact a healthcare provider.
Clark P. Dizon, a nurse of the Emerging & Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (EREID) Program states that preparations being made for Mpox are not so different from those of COVID-19 before.
“Ginagawa na po natin yung mga preventative measures natin, ang ginagawa lang po natin ngayon ay rine-reinforce natin, dinadagdagan po natin kung ano pa po yung mga recommendation kasi, yun nga sinasabi natin na evolving po yung Mpox,” Dizon states.
Additionally, there are already re-orientations held for the general public at local governments, and DOH partners.
Furthermore, Dizon reminded the public that Mpox is not transmissible through airborne transmission and that he still hasn’t encountered readings with asymptomatic cases for Mpox.
Dizon likewise assured the public that contact tracing is part of the DOH’s system, where provincial and regional epidemiology surveillance units are in place. He also shared that there was already some contact tracing done in the region, and fortunately, the results turned negative.
Moreover, even with present Mpox cases in neighboring regions like Cagayan Valley, Dizon emphasized that there will be no lockdown.
“Wala po magiging lockdown dito, wala po magiging quarantine, more on isolation lang po, pag-observe po ng sakit natin,” Dizon stressed.
Concerning the safety of those in healthcare facilities, the DOH issued the Updated Interim Guidelines on the Prevention, Detection, and Management of Mpox on August 26, 2024.
“Meron po mga issuance regarding sa paggamit ng PPE, recommended po doon sa mga hospitals natin, lalo po sa mga areas na palaging may close contact eh rine-recommend po yung well fitted na mask lalo na sa mga janitors natin na naglilinis, rine-require po gloves, and masks,” Dizon said.
According to Dizon, at present there are stocks and logistics in EREID and an allocation list to be provided to health facilities.
When asked about the vaccines, Dizon noted that the vaccine for Mpox is prioritized for heavily affected countries like Africa, however, there are initiatives on availing vaccines in the country.
“Dapat po mapag-alam po tayo at mapagmatyag dahil sa bagong Pilipinas, bawat buhay ay mahalaga,” Dizon concludes. By Heleina Taeza
