VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Region 1 confirmed on Sept. 9 that there is no record of mpox cases in the Ilocos region.
“As of the latest monitoring by our epidemiology surveillance unit, we do not have mpox cases in the region,” said Dr. Rheuel C. Bobis, head of the DOH-CHD 1 infectious diseases cluster, during an episode of the Ammuentayo program of the Philippine Information Agency-Ilocos Sur.
The country, however, has recorded 14 active cases of mpox with the addition of six more cases reported on Sept. 9, who are all recovering at home.
Prior to this, eight active cases were recorded in the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, and the Cagayan Valley.
Mpox is an infectious disease first recorded in 1970 but has had a resurgence or increase in cases in 2022, particularly in countries in the African continent.
It is caused by mpox virus and is similar to an already eradicated disease called smallpox.
Bobis assured that the department is maintaining heightened surveillance for individuals showing symptoms, to ensure prompt detection and appropriate diagnosis.
“To protect yourselves and the people around you against mpox, firstly, you should be knowledgeable of how the virus spreads, what the signs and symptoms are, and the necessary steps to take when sick so that we can prevent its dangers to our community,” Bobis encouraged.
The health expert clarified that mpox can affect individuals of any age and gender and is transmitted through intimate contact, including skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, or mouth-to-skin interactions.
Symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat during the first two to four days.
After these, an mpox patient will manifest rashes or pimples which will last from two to four weeks.
He urged the public to regularly wash their hands with water and soap, and sanitize their things and hands with alcohol more often, especially when unsure of the safety of the objects, even at home.
He said, “So for example, if you are going to use the telephone and you are uncertain who used it prior, it is important to wipe it with alcohol or other disinfectants to ascertain that there’s no virus.”
Bobis also advised against going to crowded places and joining public activities to minimize close contact with other people.
Additionally, he said that the residents may opt to wear long sleeved shirts, pants, and face masks particularly in public areas.
Bobis also emphasized that the public should practice respiratory etiquette; covering of nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wearing masks when sick.
“Lastly, consult your doctor when you feel symptoms such as flu and rashes so we can be sure of its nature,” he said.
According to him, since there is currently no cure or medicine for mpox, the DOH employs symptomatic relief—a care treatment that eases the symptoms of a disease.
Bobis said that the symptoms of mpox will eventually heal for individuals with strong immune systems, hence the DOH is closely monitoring vulnerable cases because mpox may cause complications.
He told the public to contact the nearest health facility or testing site when symptoms of mpox occur, or contact them through hotline 1555 for any concerns related to infectious diseases. (MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
