No cases of monkeypox have been recorded in the Philippines, according to a Department of Health (DOH) official on Friday.
“Wala pa po tayong nakikita hanggang sa araw na ito, June 3,” said Dr. Albert Domingo, director of DOH Disease Prevention and Control and Communication, in an interview with 702 DZAS radio station.
According to the World Health Organization, at least 550 cases of the disease have been confirmed since May 7 in 30 countries outside of west and central Africa, where the disease is endemic.
According to Domingo, although there is no case of this in the Philippines, it is better to be careful. He reminded the public to follow the COVID-19 precautionary rules such as wearing a facemask, washing hands, avoiding crowded places, and social distancing.
According to Domingo, it is not airborne, and it is contracted when there is close skin-to-skin contact with the sick person, so it is easier to avoid it.
“Ang pinagkaiba ng monkeypox sa COVID-19 mas nata-transmit mas naililipat ang monkeypox sa tinatawag na close physical contact, balat sa balat sugat sa sugat, nagkakadikit-dikit o ‘yung tinatawag na face to face literal na magkaharap kayo,“ said Domingo.
No recorded monkeypox case in the Philippines – DOH
The incubation period of monkeypox is 5 to 21 days.
Its initial symptoms include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes.
Domingo said it is better to report immediately to a nearby health center for those who experience such symptoms, especially if they come from countries with positive monkeypox cases.
DOH said the Philippines is ready in case the disease enters the country.
“Our people are much more prepared… They learned a lot from this pandemic. Everybody wears a mask. This has a lot of value add in terms of emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
“Halimbawa monkeypox, mayroon tayong mask. Puwedeng makahawa via respiratory droplet ang monkeypox. Hand hygiene, puwedeng makahawa ‘yan sa mga taong may mga lesions. Handa na tayo. Ginagawa na natin. Kumbaga, ‘yung ginawa natin na paghahanda para sa COVID-19 pandemic response, parang natuhog na rin natin ‘yung ibang sakit,” he added.
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