Quezon City sets protocols vs monkeypox

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government is prepared for a possible outbreak of monkeypox cases following the detection of the first case in the country on Friday.

In a statement yesterday, Mayor Joy Belmonte said government-owned hospitals in the city have designated isolation rooms for suspected, probable and confirmed cases of monkeypox.

These are the Quezon City General Hospital, Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital and Novaliches District Hospital.

According to Belmonte, the city health department has developed a response mechanism in dealing with monkeypox, which will focus on prevention, early detection, management, isolation and contact tracing.

“We have been coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) since May following a surge in monkeypox cases in other countries,” Belmonte said.

“The city health department is also providing us with weekly updates about the virus to make sure that we are ready to deal with it,” she added.

Medical personnel from public and private hospitals as well as health centers in Quezon City recently underwent orientation about the technical guidelines for implementation of monkeypox surveillance, screening, management and infection.

“They were taught the necessary information about the virus, especially how to prevent its transmission to an individual, household and the community,” the city government said.

“Social hygiene and sundown clinics as well as MSM (men who have sex with men) community organizations were also informed about monkeypox,” city hall added.

The City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit has organized a quick response team to ensure that personal protective equipment and other logistical needs for contact tracing are sufficient.

To raise public awareness about the virus, the city Public Affairs and Information Services Department is posting artcards about the monkeypox, including its symptoms, modes of transmission and prevention.

“The city government is always ready in situations like this – from equipment, guidelines to the training of health workers about the virus. We will do everything that we can to prevent monkeypox from entering our city and stem its spread to the communities,” Belmonte said.

She advised the public to follow the COVID-19 protocols set by the DOH, pointing out that monkeypox can be transmitted through direct physical contact with wounds, body fluids and respiratory droplets.