Negros takes measures vs mpox

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BACOLOD CITY — Government officials in Negros Island Region are implementing preemptive measures to curb the entry and spread of mpox, a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, in the region.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that with detected cases of Mpox Clade 2, one of two major types of the monkeypox virus, in the Philippines, particularly in nearby provinces in the Visayas, the general public should be proactive in taking measures to build awareness, vigilance and preparedness.

"If you have rashes, have yourself checked by a doctor right away," said Lacson,

He said there are four cases of mpox in Iloilo City.

In Bacolod City, Mayor Albee Benitez said that although the Department of Health (DOH) does not require it, he has directed the City Health Office to monitor incoming passengers at sea ports and airport for possible mpox cases.

"There is no need to wait for the recommendation of the DOH to strengthen the fight against mpox," he said.

The mayor also said that safety measures are being implemented at points of entry in Bacolod City, particularly at Bredco and Banago ports and the Bacolod-Silay Airport.

Benitez said that since fever is one of the symptoms of this infectious disease, temperature-based screening shall be conducted by proper personnel at the points of entry to the city.

This is aside from visual inspection since one typical symptom of mpox is the presence of skin rash or mucosal lesion, which may persist for two to four weeks.

Benitez said doctors don't see the need for the mandatory wearing of face masks, even though direct transmission could occur via respiratory droplets during talking, coughing or sneezing.

The provincial government of Negros Oriental, on the other hand, has launched a task force against the infectious disease.

An executive order was signed by Negros Oriental Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria on Monday to prevent the spread of mpox in the province.

In his executive order, the governor called on all residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary gatherings in public places, and avoid close contact with individuals with symptoms of mpox.

The governor also asked residents to immediately report to the nearest health facility or barangay health station any suspected case of mpox so that the authorities can conduct contact tracing and implement preventive measures.

Sagarbarria directed the 25 mayors of towns and cities to activate their health emergency response teams, conduct community awareness campaigns on mpox prevention, active surveillance and reporting of suspected cases and ensure that local health facilities are ready to handle community health cases.

The governor said inter-agency coordination and public participation are important to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases said that the predominant mode of transmission of mpox is prolonged skin-to-skin contact with persons infected with the virus.

"This includes close interactions, such as kissing, sexual contact, and hugging with intimate partners and household members," the governor said.

The mpox virus can be transmitted to humans through close and intimate contact with someone who is infectious, through contaminated materials like used clothes or utensils, or through infected animals.