Altermidya
BAGUIO CITY (Updated September 11, 1:43 PM) — Health officials in Cagayan Valley are calling for public vigilance following the region’s first confirmed Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) case as of September 7.
In a press release, DOH Cagayan Valley confirmed that the patient is in isolation and receiving medical care. The agency has begun contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed.
Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, Director of the Department of Health (DOH) – Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development, emphasized the need for continued adherence to health protocols.
“We are working closely with healthcare providers and local government units to contain the virus and protect the public’s health,” she said.
Health authorities are coordinating with municipal governments to monitor close contacts and enforce health measures to prevent further transmission.
Mpox, a viral disease, typically presents with skin rashes or mucosal lesions lasting two to four weeks, often accompanied by fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
The DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) is responsible for confirmatory testing, using PCR analysis of skin lesions. Results are typically available within two to three days.
As of September 9, the DOH has reported 23 Mpox infections since July 2023, with 14 active cases currently recovering at home. The patients come from the Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, and the National Capital Region.
Vaccines for Mpox are available, and DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa mentioned during an interview with GMA Super Radyo dzBB last August that the government is working to procure 2,000 additional doses.
Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated items such as clothing or utensils, or infected animals. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that more research is needed to fully understand how Mpox spreads during outbreaks in different settings.
In addition to isolating infected individuals, the WHO recommends covering skin lesions and wearing well-fitting masks to reduce the risk of transmission.
DOH Cagayan Valley also advised frequent handwashing with soap and water and wearing gloves when handling potentially contaminated materials. The department urged the public to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
DOH Cagayan Valley assured the public that regular updates will be provided and urged everyone to rely on official sources for information, warning against the spread of misinformation.
For more details, residents can contact the DOH Cagayan Valley hotline at 0917-659-6959 or visit official DOH platforms for advice on Mpox prevention and control. # nordis.net
Updates include Mpox statistics from DOH, the availability of vaccine, and the reminder from WHO.
