Public urged: Take minimum precautions vs mpox

CEBU, Philippines — Following the detection of five mpox cases in the country this year, the Department of Health (DOH) urged the general public to practice standard minimum precautions amid the threat posed by the viral disease.

The DOH has released an updated interim guidelines on the prevention, detection, and management of mpox, wherein the agency noted that it is a must for everyone to strictly adhere to the established minimum preventive precautions.

In Department Memorandum No. 2024-0306, the DOH said, "All individuals shall adhere to standard minimum precautions for the prevention of mpox.”

The DOH stressed that one should avoid close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact, such as sexual contact, kissing, hugging, and cuddling with individuals who are suspect, probable, or confirmed cases of mpox.

“If contact is unavoidable due to the need for care, caregivers must adhere to proper prevention and control measures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE),” the DOH noted.

It added that the public must also observe frequent and proper handwashing or use alcohol-based sanitizers, whenever hands are soiled or contaminated.

The DOH also reminded the public to ensure that objects and surfaces suspected of being contaminated with the virus, or handled by an infectious person, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

The department also cautioned the public to avoid contact with animals, particularly mammals, that may carry the virus, including sick or deceased animals found in areas where mpox is present.

For travelers going in and out of the country, the DOH said they must be aware of risk and prevalence of mpox transmission in their respective destination countries. They are expected to adhere to health protocols issued by health authorities, conveyance operators, and airport and seaport terminal management, both from the Philippines and destination country.

The travelers are also expected to provide honest and accurate responses to the passengers' health declaration questionnaires required upon arrival and departure at airports and seaports.

If not feeling well or experiencing any signs and symptoms of mpox, they are advised to approach health personnel-on-duty.

On the other hand, all healthcare personnel in public and private facilities and medical transport vehicles are required to adhere to the Infection Prevention Control measures of the facility. They are required to wear appropriate PPEs when caring for suspect, probable, and confirmed cases of mpox.

According to the guidelines, “This includes having a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator mask or equivalent; disposable, long-sleeved, fluid-resistant level 2 gowns; eye protection such as goggles or face shields that cover the front and sides of the face; single-use gloves, to be disposed of after every patient interaction; and a dedicated footwear that can be decontaminated.”

The DOH has reported five cases of mpox in the Philippines this year.

This came after the World Health Organization declared it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for the second time. —/FPL (FREEMAN)