• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Health (DOH) has directed medical facilities in Negros Island Region (NIR) to prioritize individuals with skin lesions and those with symptoms of monkeypox (mpox) for treatment amid the scare brought by the infectious illness.
The DOH-NIR issued the advisory in the wake of a confirmed mpox case in Iloilo City, along with four others now under observation.
Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer of Negros Occidental, said on Friday (May 30) they are investigating two patients, including a toddler in Pontevedra and a bus driver.
They were respectively brought to Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial District Hospital in La Carlota City and Tabugon Community Hospital in Kabankalan City for treatment.
Based on the assessments of the hospital chiefs who sent pictures to her, it appears these were not cases of mpox.
However, they cannot officially declare it as not mpox until specimens are taken and subjected to laboratory testing, Pinongan said.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus and usually results in mild illness with rashes, with transmission maybe through skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, extreme fatigue, headache, sore throat, anal pain, and painful urination.
Pinongan said that anyone showing symptoms is advised to be isolated and seek medical attention immediately.
At the Bacolod City Health Office, Dr. Grace Tan, head of Environment Sanitation Division, said they are investigating a suspected case, if it fits the mpox definition.
Tan encouraged those exhibiting mpox symptoms to immediately report it to them for monitoring and surveillance.
In an advisory, the DOH urges the public to observe minimum health standards such as frequent hand washing, wearing of masks in crowded areas, and refrain from contact with individuals who have mpox or who are manifesting symptoms. | GB
