LGUs told to prepare vs. Monkeypox disease

THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged all local governments to undertake proactive measures against Monkeypox in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus following the country’s first case of the zoonotic disease.

“While everyone is assured that our public health surveillance systems are able to detect and confirm monkeypox cases, all LGUs are nonetheless called to carry out measures in close coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) in stemming the spread of this new virus,” said DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr.

Abalos said that while the country’s health authorities are already strictly monitoring inbound and outbound travelers for monkeypox cases, it would be in the best interest of the local government to be prepared for any eventualities.

“The adage prevention is better than cure still applies today. As the primary front liners in your areas, it behooves upon our LGUs to initiate precautionary measures and spread awareness to your constituents about monkeypox and what they need to do about it,” he said.

According to the DOH, the common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, backpain, muscle aches, lack of energy, and skin eruptions.

Abalos enjoined all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors to ensure the readiness of their respective health centers, Epidemiologic and Surveillance Units, and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams to implement the DOH guidelines and protocols on the surveillance, screening, management, and infection control of monkeypox.

“Katulad ng ginawa natin sa laban kontra Covid-19, kailangang magsagawa na tayo ng mga preparasyon at ihanda na natin ang mga tauhan natin para siguraduhing hindi na dadami pa at lalala ang mga kaso ng monkeypox sa bansa,” he said.

Abalos said the local governments should closely monitor travelers from countries with reported or ongoing cases of monkeypox who are experiencing signs and symptoms, and to coordinate with private health care facilities to ensure the reporting of individuals experiencing symptoms, and report information on suspected or confirmed cases to the DOH within 24 hours.

He likewise asked the public to strictly adhere to minimum public health standards set by the DOH, conduct disinfection measures, practice good hand and respiratory hygiene, and minimize contact with sick persons to limit infection.

“This is not the first time that we are faced with a huge health concern. We have been through the worst of times during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic so we are now more resilient as a people and can rise above any other challenge, including monkeypox,” Abalos said.

The first monkeypox case in the country was a Filipino who arrived from abroad last July 19.
Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. The virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.

The DOH said it has completed case investigation and identification of at least 10 people who had contacts with the Filipino - three of them are from the same household. “All have been advised to undergo quarantine and are being monitored by the Department of Health. The DOH assures everyone that our public health surveillance systems are able to detect and confirm Monkeypox cases,” it said.
The DOH said the Monkeypox disease is now a “public health emergency of international concern,” and everyone can help prevent the spread of the virus by minimizing close sexual contact with suspected cases, especially those with rashes or open wounds.

“The DOH wishes to emphasize that anyone may get Monkeypox. If you have a travel history to countries with Monkeypox, and then have symptoms like fever, lymphadenopathy and rashes, seek immediate medical attention. This will help hasten recovery,” it said.

The World Health Organization has reported that monkeypox is now present in over two dozen countries, and warned the public that there will be more cases as the virus continues to spread.

Among the countries with reported monkeypox cases include Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Congo, French Guiana, United States, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Australia.  (Mindanao Examiner)