ILOILO City – Following the detection of a new mpox case in the country on August 18, and the recent classification of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization, the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has heightened surveillance measures.
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms include skin rash or mucosal lesions.
The 10th laboratory-confirmed mpox case in the country involves a 33-year-old male with no history of international travel.
He reportedly had close, intimate contact three weeks before the onset of symptoms, which began over a week ago with a fever and was soon followed by a distinctive rash on various parts of his body including his face, back, nape, trunk, groin, and even the palms and soles.
The individual was examined at a government hospital, where skin lesion samples were collected and tested positive for monkeypox viral DNA using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, medical officer IV and head of the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease (EREID) of DOH Region 6, emphasized the importance of thorough disease surveillance by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), down to the Provincial and Municipal ESUs.
This surveillance is crucial in all health facilities, including hospitals and clinics, to promptly identify and manage suspected or confirmed mpox cases, she said.
“Surveillance is important, and our Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit consistently reminds the provincial and municipal levels to immediately send specimens from patients exhibiting symptoms or suspected mpox cases to our regional office. From there, we facilitate further testing at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM),” said Natalaray.
She also highlighted the need for surveillance units to be vigilant in recognizing the signs and symptoms of mpox, such as skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can persist for 2-4 weeks.
Accompanying symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox can affect anyone and is transmitted either through direct contact with skin or mucosal lesions, respiratory secretions, or indirectly via contaminated objects like bedding or clothing.
Health facilities are urged to report any individual with similar rashes or diagnosed cases of mpox, enabling the collection of specimens for testing.
Suspected cases are advised to undergo complete isolation for at least 21 days or until lesions and rashes resolve, based on criteria established by their attending physician.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for mpox, and the process for approving antiviral therapies is ongoing by the Food and Drug Administration.
Natalaray reassured that DOH-6 is well-equipped with necessary logistics, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ready to be distributed to health facilities as needed.
She also reiterated the need for the public to follow basic health protocols like frequent hand washing, using alcohol-based sanitizers, and maintaining physical distance from those infected with mpox./PN
