DOH: No mpox cases in Bicol

The Department of Health - Center for Health Development in Bicol (DOH-CHD-5) said no cases of mpox were detected or being monitored in the six provinces in the region. "We don't have a case yet; although we don't, we are always monitoring our region. Effective and continuous monitoring is what will help us contain cases just in case," DOH-Bicol epidemiology and surveillance unit chief Dr. Aurora Teresa Daluro said in a press conference on Thursday afternoon. She, however, said hospitals in the region are ready to admit and treat mpox patients. "The readiness of our hospitals is already tested, adjusting only to the transmission mode. We are ready to admit mpox cases, and local government units are also ready to monitor house-to-house," she said in Filipino. Mpox is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. Symptoms include skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2-4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph n odes. "Everyone can avoid mpox if we follow prevention actions such as reducing prolonged skin-to-skin contact, taking care of the sick, and using personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, jumpers, and long sleeves," Daluro said. DOH-Bicol Regional Director Dr. Rodolfo Antonio Albornoz said they have oriented all LGUs, health facilities, and other regional partners on handling mpox cases. "We make sure they prepare and have their isolation rooms and wards ready just in case. For complicated cases, we also have ready dermatologists and infectious disease experts to address all concerns of the patient," he said. Source: Philippines News agency