After CoVid comes monkeypox. Will there be another outbreak?
Maasin City, the provincial capital of Southern Leyte in Eastern Visayas, has taken a cautious step after reporting a suspected monkeypox (mpox) case, marking the first in the region.
The Maasin City Health Office announced that a 55-year-old woman is currently under close observation, sparking heightened alertness among local health authorities and residents alike.
The woman, whose identity remains confidential, began exhibiting mpox symptoms, prompting immediate action from city health officials.
She is now in home isolation together with her husband, as part of the city’s containment efforts. City Health Officer Francilisa Tan confirmed that the suspect was subjected to confirmatory testing and is awaiting results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
The local health department is actively conducting contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed, aiming to prevent further spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Maasin Mayor Nacional Mercado underscored the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that contact tracing is ongoing and that preventive measures are being reinforced.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and have reimposed the mandatory use of masks, physical distancing, and other basic health protocols to protect our community,” Mercado posted on his social media accounts.
These measures are part of the city’s renewed efforts to contain any potential outbreak and reassure residents that their safety remains a priority.
No confirmation yet
While the suspected case has raised concern locally, regional health authorities remain vigilant but optimistic.
The Department of Health's Eastern Visayas regional office, through the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, clarified that as of now, there are no confirmed mpox cases in the entire region.
Regional epidemiologist Boyd Cerro stated that the department has not yet received the specimen from Maasin for testing but expects to do so soon. Upon receipt, the sample will be forwarded to RITM for confirmatory diagnosis.
Cerro added that since last year, the regional office has received eight specimens from suspected mpox cases across Leyte, Biliran, and Samar provinces, all of which tested negative.
This background underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring, especially given the disease's capacity for rapid transmission through close contact.
A public health risk
Mpox, a viral disease declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August last year, shares symptoms similar to smallpox but is generally less severe.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, rash, and fatigue. The virus transmits through direct contact with infected lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials like bedding or clothing.
While it is said to be less severe than smallpox, DOH reiterated the importance of preventive measures, including wearing masks, practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and maintaining physical distancing.
Meanwhile, local authorities in other parts of Eastern Visayas, such as Tacloban City and Ormoc City, have reassured residents.
Tacloban's health officials reported that there are no confirmed mpox cases in their jurisdiction, and a private hospital in Ormoc City also denied having any positive cases.
Experts emphasize that while mpox is not as easily transmissible as some respiratory viruses, close contact remains the primary mode of transmission. Thus, heightened vigilance and community cooperation are vital.
The Department of Education Eastern Visayas has also issued advisories, urging schools to reinforce health protocols but clarifies that classes are ongoing without disruptions related to mpox.
As the situation develops, residents are advised to stay updated via official government channels and health authorities.
The city government continues to monitor the case closely and is prepared to implement additional measures if necessary.
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