LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The municipal government underscored there are no confirmed monkey pox (Mpox) cases in the municipality contrary to earlier insinuations by outsiders on an alleged case that caused alarm among residents.
In a statement concerned local and health officials claimed that the local government is actively conducting a thorough verification process relative to false information being peddled by some respected personalities on the presence of an Mpox case in the locality.
The absence of an Mpox case in the municipality has been verified with the municipal epidemiology and surveillance unit (MESU), provincial epidemiology and surveillance unit (PESU) and regional epidemiology and surveillance unit (RESU) which are the responsible offices tasked to make the appropriate pronouncements relative to health issues and not individuals whose primary purpose is to gain publicity at the expense of the people of the municipality.
Further, this sensitive matter is being undertaken in close coordination and collaboration with the concerned agencies for immediate clarification and comprehensive verification considering its effect to the safety and security of the people.
The municipal government urged the public to sustain practicing essential health and safety protocols to protect themselves and the community from the illness following the confirmation of Mpox cases in other parts of the country.
Among the basic health and safety protocols that should be observed by the public to avoid contracting Mpox and other dreaded illnesses are frequent handwashing, regular hand sanitation using 70 percent alcohol and boosting their immune system by consuming nutritious foods.
The municipality vowed to provide the public with timely updates on this important health concern as soon as the municipal government shall have received official results or confirmation from the appropriate health authorities relative to the matter.
Moreover, the public is being reminded to verify any news being posted in various social media outlets and ensure to fact-check the same to avoid being provided with false information that may result to more problems for the people living in the community.
In a separate statement, the Benguet provincial health office is fully aware of a concern regarding a suspected Mpox case being linked to an individual who comes from the capital town.
It added that the person involved in the matter is a non-Benguet resident who purposely travelled to a health facility in La Trinidad to seek medical care. This case is still under evaluation and test results are still pending.
The provincial health office explained that the patient is being cared for and has other health conditions being actually managed by concerned health workers.
According to the statement, there is only one confirmed Mpox case in Benguet, particularly in Mankayan, but the patient has already recovered and contact tracing has already been completed.
The provincial government advised the public to stay calm, avoid panic and get information from official sources only, especially those in the health profession to ensure they will get the right information from responsible officials who prioritize the protection of the health of the people. HENT
