• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital said last night, June 15, that it is currently caring for the first confirmed case of mpox (monkeypox) that was referred from the Bacolod City Health Office June 13.
“The patient is stable and is receiving appropriate care in isolation, and all necessary infection control measures have been implemented in accordance with public health guidelines,” the CLMMRH said in a statement.
It assured patients, staff, and visitors “that the risk to the general public remains low (as mpox) is not known to be transmitted via the airborne route – meaning across rooms and public spaces. We encourage the community to remain calm and to stay informed through official health channels.”
Discrimination against any disease, including mpox is not necessary, the Level 3 hospital stressed and urged the public to “be vigilant but remain kind towards potentially-sick individuals”.
It also called on sick individuals to seek consultation early, especially if they have a rash, to avoid close skin to skin contact, and to not share personal items. “We encourage the general public to continue practicing good hygiene and do handwashing frequently.”
Mayor Alfredo Benitez, meanwhile, said contact tracing has been implemented to contain the spread of this contagious disease.
The CHO is closely coordinating with the Department of Health, CLMMRH, and all concerned agencies to ensure swift and effective response measures on the first local mpox transmission.
“Mpox is a manageable disease, and with proper health protocols, we can prevent further spread,” Benitez said in a statement, adding the patient “is stable, properly monitored, and currently in isolation and receiving appropriate medical care.”
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, via bodily fluids, or respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face exposure, or contaminated beddings and other materials, the CHO had said.
Symptoms that usually appear five to 21 days after exposure include fever, headache, muscle and back pains, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and painful or itchy rash that often starts on the face, spreads, and evolves into pustule or pus-filled skin lesion.
Those who are immunocompromised, including pregnant women, persons with diabetes, senior citizens, children, malnourished individuals, patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those with chronic illnesses, may have higher vulnerability to infections in general, including mpox, the city said.
Preventive measures include avoiding close or intimate contact with infected person/animal, maintaining personal hygiene, not sharing personal items, thoroughly cooking meat, and seeking prompt medical consultation when symptoms appear, among others.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for mpox available locally, the city said. “Supportive care and management of symptoms remain effective.”
It urged the public to remain calm, practice proper hygiene, observe health protocols, and seek medical attention once symptoms arise.
The Bacolod City government also said it strongly discouraged any form of discrimination toward mpox patients or their families. “Public understanding, compassion, and support are vital in ensuring full recovery, both physically and emotionally.”
“Let us be guided by facts, not fear. We urge everyone to avoid spreading unverified information that may cause undue alarm,” Benitez stressed, adding the city government is taking all necessary steps to protect everyone’s health and safety. | CGC
