The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Thursday, August 22, that the smallpox vaccine may offer protection against Mpox.
"Mpox is related to smallpox, so individuals born between 1960 and the 1970s were likely vaccinated against smallpox," said DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.
In 1959, the World Health Organization (WHO) initiated smallpox vaccination campaigns to curb outbreaks in South America, Africa, and Asia.
"Scientific evidence indicates that smallpox vaccines provide cross-protection against Mpox," Domingo added.
The health official noted that those who have not previously received the smallpox vaccine are now being vaccinated.
Most smallpox vaccine supplies are currently being donated to Africa, where, as of August 22, there have been over 14,000 reported cases and 457 deaths.
The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for nearly 96 percent of these cases.
"We have expressed our readiness to the WHO to participate in any future global Mpox vaccination strategy," Domingo stated.
Protocols
The DOH will establish guidelines for businesses with close-contact services, such as salons, barbershops, and spas.
"We will implement guidelines to ensure continued operations while prioritizing health," Domingo said.
He advised that barbers, beauticians, and masseurs wear gloves and face masks. Additionally, masseurs may be encouraged to use powder instead of oil.
"While social distancing is not required as Mpox is not airborne, handwashing with soap and water remains an effective preventive measure," Domingo emphasized.
Alcohol-based sanitizers are also effective.
On August 19, the DOH reported the country's 10th Mpox case, the first in 2024.
The patient, a 33-year-old man from Metro Manila with no recent travel history, is currently in isolation at a government hospital.
Mpox symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting two to four weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
The virus spreads through close, intimate contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
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