BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The City Health Services Office (CHSO) continues to provide advisories about monkeypox or Mpox as two more laboratory confirmed cases were recorded in Baguio City, bringing the total cases to four.
CHSO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit chief Dr. Donnabel Panes reported during the City Hall Hour media forum on January 5, two new Mpox cases (a male and a female, both 21 years old) who are on isolation and nearing recovery. Close monitoring of the patients and contact tracing of the new cases are also being conducted.
Panes said the public should not panic; what is important is for the public to know more about the Mpox, its risk factors and how to prevent infection.
Panes said they release advisories tailored to the different sectors. “For example, meron kaming ginawang list for accommodation establishments; we also give food businesses advisories. So unique ang bawat settings, so unique din ‘yung messaging. Meron sin tayo for spa, wellness clinics, gyms, barber shops, and salons,” said Panes.
For general information, there are five risk factors of getting infected with Mpox. These are having multiple sexual partner, MSM (Men having Sex with Men), having a housemate (household member) who is diagnosed with Mpox, health workers, and those coming from a country with Mpox (especially those with high cases), Panes shared.
For the mode of transmission, one can be infected by the Mpox virus through close physical contact, skin to skin contact (massage, hugging kissing), prolonged face-to-face contact without mask and other personal protective equipment), respiratory secretion, and contact with contaminated inanimate objects (table chairs, linens, beddings contaminated through the rashes, scabs or blood fluid of an Mpox infected person).
Panes emphasized that people must know their risk, and if they have unexplained rashes, they are advised to consult a doctor and stay at home and rest.
She also advised those with symptoms to stay away from immunocompromised individuals such as pregnant women, senior citizens and children.
“Pag meron kang unexplained rashes that you don’t know and you have the risk, pa-consult ka na in a day. We can assure the public that we are looking for these cases and they are not spreading it,” she stated.
The CESU chief reminded the public to stay cautious in their community, practice proper hygiene, and always wear protective gear to prevent secondary transmission of the virus.
She emphasized the importance of proper use of face masks, regular handwashing, and proper sanitation to prevent the spread of the infectious disease, especially during this festival season.
The CHSO urged the public to stay informed and practice health measures. (JDP/CCD with Esperanza De Guzman & Liezel Castillijos, PIA-BSU Interns)
