Following reports that at least four confirmed cases of mpox have been recorded in Laguna province, the Department of Health (DOH) has reiterated that proper sanitation is the key to preventing the spread of this disease.
In a statement, DOH Calabarzon urged the public to follow public health protocols to prevent the spread of mpox.
This includes refraining from contact with individuals infected with mpox or those manifesting symptoms, and frequent sanitation of commonly used and shared objects.
First detected in 2022, mpox is a contagious disease that can be passed on through bodily fluid and exposure to respiratory droplets from infected patients.
“The mpox can be passed on through close skin-to-skin contact, sexual intercourse, talking, or exposure to respiratory droplets and contaminated objects that were previously touched by infected patients,” DOH Calabarzon stressed in its statement.
Health authorities are also advising the public to be critical of information on the disease and to rely on well-vetted information and announcements from DOH to prevent falling victim to fake news and disinformation.
Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and low energy.
It can be transmitted through close contact, using contaminated objects such as clothing or linen, through needle injuries in health care, or in community settings such as tattoo parlors.
According to the Laguna Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), health authorities in the province have recorded 20 total reported and four confirmed cases of mpox from January to May of this year.
As of May 24, there have been two reported active cases of mpox in Laguna province.
Face masks not necessary
In a separate statement, the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) had advised that the use of facemasks in public places is not necessary.
“Mpox is not known to be transmitted by the airborne route, for example, through the air across rooms, marketplaces, offices, and even inside planes,” the association added.
“Hence, compulsory masking in these areas or within the broader community is not necessary.”
PSMID urged individuals who have mpox symptoms or skin rashes to consult healthcare workers so that they can be properly assessed.
"Mpox can be confirmed through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) of a sample from the rash,” it added.
(OpinYon News Team)
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