TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA)—Following the confirmation by the Department of Health–Center for Health Development Cagayan Valley (DOH-CHDCV) of the first Mpox case in Cagayan Valley (Region 2), an Mpox Task Force has been established and activated.
DOH Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan announced that the task force’s primary goal is to contain the spread of the virus and clarify the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties.
The task force is chaired by the DOH and joined by DOH-accredited hospitals, rural health units, and local government units (LGUs).
The DOH highlighted that while the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges, it also provided opportunities to improve health sector facilities and enhance training for health workers, which has thus equipped them to better address global health issues such as Mpox.
“Our hospitals and medical experts are well-trained to manage infectious diseases,” Pangilinan stated.
While the presence of a confirmed Mpox case in the region should not incite panic, residents must be informed about the disease to aid in its containment, she said.
Although details about the patient have not been fully disclosed, the public is advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, or swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox can be transmitted through close contact (including intimate or sexual contact) with an infected person, contact with contaminated materials such as used clothes or utensils, or direct contact with infected animals, the health official noted.
Asst. Regional Director Mar Wynn Bello emphasized the importance of frequent handwashing, noting that soap and water can kill the virus.
He said the DOH also provides free laboratory confirmation tests by sampling skin lesions and performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
“The DOH assured the public that they are well-prepared and advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid crowds when necessary,” Bello said. (OTB/GVB/PIA Region 2)
