DOH says no Mpox cases yet in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — Department of Health-Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) Central Visayas emphasized yesterday the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to health protocols, even as it assured that there is no case of Monkeypox, or Mpox yet in the region.

The disease has already been declared by the World Health as public health emergency of international concern.

“While no cases of Mpox have been reported in Central Visayas, it is essential for the public to remain proactive in following recommended health measures,” said DOH-CVCHD, in a statement released yesterday.

It assured the general public that it remains committed to ensuring public safety and has intensified surveillance measures to monitor cases or any health events which may arise.

Mpox is described as an infectious disease caused by the Monkeypox virus.

It is primarily transmitted through direct contact with skin or mucosal lesions of an infected person, which can occur through talking, breathing, kissing, touching, hugging, or sexual intercourse.

Transmission can also occur via respiratory secretions or contact with contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing, or linens.

Common symptoms include fever, rash, headache, muscle ache, and swelling of the lymph nodes.

To prevent infection, DOH-CVCHD advised individuals to practice frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, observe proper respiratory etiquette by covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ensure good airflow in indoor spaces, and avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of Mpox.

This is made more pressing in Cebu City considering that the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) does not have testing and diagnostic capabilities yet to detect Mpox.

This was according to Dr. Peter Mancao, CCMC medical director and Cebu Medical Society chairman.

He said that although they have yet to receive admission of patients with symptoms of Mpox, they are optimistic that CCMC is ready to cater to such cases, adding that their response to the Covid-19 pandemic serves as a good blueprint in responding to the Mpox.

“Naagi na gud ta ana pag Covid, I don’t think it should be a problem…. Andam ra gihapon kay mao ra man gihapon ang mga precautions, lain lang iya (Monkeypox) kay mura’g skin disease ang manifestations,” Mancao said.

Further, Mancao also said that the local hospital does not have any diagnostic capability yet as far as Mpox is concerned.

He said that should they have patients that manifest the symptoms, their protocol includes immediate isolation. In CCMC, Mancao said, they still have the isolation wards that were utilized during the Covid-19 response.

“Sa akong nahibaw-an, wa pay testing method. Although same siya sa Covid, but ang Covid naa man toy testing kit,” said Mancao.

He said that should they receive suspected cases of Monkeypox, they will have to send the samples to Manila for the confirmatory results.

A source confirmed to The Freeman that there were patients who were tested for suspected Mpox, but he refused to be named for lack of authority and in difference to the DOH, which should be the one to divulge the results.

The Freeman reached out to Cebu City Health Department Officer Daisy Villa yesterday on the matter but got no response, as of press time.

The Freeman also tried to reach out to DOH-7 but was told that clarifications on Monkeypox will be answered in a formal press conference this Thursday.

DOH detected the first case of Mpox in the Philippines eight days ago, causing an immediate heightened surveillance due to the recent declaration by the World Health Organization of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

In a statement, DOH said the first Mpox case for this year was reported last Aug. 18. The number has since gone up to 10 laboratory-confirmed cases in the country.

The most recent is that of a 33-year-old male Filipino with no travel history outside the Philippines but with close, intimate contact with a suspected person three weeks before his symptoms showed.--Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, Iris Hazel Mascardo/RHM (CEBU NEWS)