In Davao, the City Health Office (CHO) reported that it received information from the DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) confirming two cases of mpox on Wednesday April 16.
The patients were admitted at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) isolation facility, although – as of reporting – one of them passed away due to complications. No other information was released about the patients.
The CHO is monitoring all identified close contacts of the two patients, even as “response measures and protocols for mpox are currently being implemented.”
“We urge the public to remain calm and avoid panic,” the local government unit (LGU) stated in a post in its Facebook account.
The LGU similarly reminded particularly its constituents ” everyone “to consistently observe… health protocols to help prevent mpox infection”. These include:
- Avoiding “close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact such as sexual contact, kissing, hugging, and cuddling with individuals who are suspect, probable, or confirmed cases of mpox.” If contact is unavoidable, “caregivers must adhere to proper prevention and control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment”.
- Observing “frequent and proper hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub or hand-washing whenever hands are soiled or contaminated”.
- Ensuring “objects and surfaces suspected of being contaminated with the virus, or handled by an infectious person, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected”.
- Avoiding contact with animals, particularly mammals, that may carry the virus, including sick or diseased animals found in areas where mpox is present. “Signs and symptoms of mpox in animals, including pets, can include rash, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite.”
For those who may be experiencing symptoms, contact the CHO – City Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (CESU) at 09495011457, or visit the nearest healthcare provider.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mpox (formerly monkeypox) – an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus – can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. While most people fully recover from it, some get very sick, and thus require medical care.
“Anyone can get mpox,” the WHO stressed, adding that it spreads from contact with infected, including: persons, through touch, kissing, or sex; animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them; materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles; and pregnant persons, who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby.
