There is no need to implement lockdowns or restrictions in the movement of people to combat the spread of mpox in Laguna province.
This was the assertion of the Laguna Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), following a report published by the unit of two active cases of mpox in the province.
"At present, we only have two cases in the province, and they are currently recovering,” Danica Tolentio, PESU head, told local media.
Following its report, Tolentino said the Laguna Provincial Health Office (PHO) has intensified its monitoring and surveillance networks.
“Under the leadership of the Provincial Health Office, there is ongoing collaboration with local government units. In our case at PESU, we work closely with the city, municipal, and hospital epidemiology and surveillance network, including the barangay health emergency and response team.”
Tolentino assured the public that the medical professionals are trained to monitor, respond, and mitigate the spread not just of mpox, but other notifiable diseases and health events.
She added that they continue to abide by the guidelines set by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health (DOH) in Calabarzon.
Mpox can be caught by direct contact or by having skin-to-skin exposure with an infected patient or by having sexual intercourse, kissing and hugging.
It can also be transmitted via indirect contact with contaminated bedding, clothing, linens, or other objects.
On fears that mpox cases will spread, Tolentino said that health offices continue to do their role in mitigating cases but public support is vital especially in abiding the health protocols set by health experts.
“No one can say for sure. It depends on the public and their compliance with health protocols. To our fellow kababayan, let us continue to follow health protocols to avoid various infectious diseases.”
Symptoms of mpox include fever, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, back pain, headache, and low energy.
Tolentino said that if these symptoms have manifested, immediately consult a doctor or visit the nearest health facility to properly report the case and undergo possible isolation and treatment.
(With report from the Philippine Information Agency)
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