An emergency meeting was held in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, after a viral report on social media raised concerns about a suspected Mpox case involving a 55-year-old female resident from Maasin City.
While no suspected or confirmed cases have been reported in Padre Burgos, officials emphasized the need for preparedness, particularly in the town's busy port area.
Health Officer Kesha Batalon led a contingency planning workshop for the first batch of local officials from the six barangays: Sta. Sofia, Poblacion, Tangkaan, Cantutang, Dinahugan, and San Juan.
The meeting focused on strengthening public safety protocols, with an emphasis on increasing awareness of the Mpox virus.
The Department of Health (DOH) highlighted that common symptoms of Mpox include a skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, which can last from two to four weeks.
Mpox is transmitted through close, intimate contact with an infected person or by sharing contaminated materials and utensils.
Officials stressed the importance of maintaining proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water, to prevent the spread of the virus.
Padre Burgos, known for its dive shops and tourism industry, remains unaffected by any suspected cases, but authorities are not taking any chances.
With local leaders now trained in contingency planning, officials are confident that the town is prepared to handle any future health threats efficiently.
The municipality continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the community stays informed and ready to act if necessary.
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