Digicast Negros

Border surveillance intensified vs. ‘monkeypox,’ DOH says

The Department of Health (DOH) is intensifying screening at borders against the entry of Monkeypox, its advisory said Friday, May 20.

Monkeypox has not been detected within the Philippines or at its borders, but recent cases have been found in European countries, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, the DOH advisory said.

Monkeypox is a viral disease coming from animals that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions, according to the World Health Organization.

Symptoms includes fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes that could lead to a range of medical complications, the DOH said.

Monkeypox virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person, animals or with contaminated materials.

It is transmitted through wounds, body fluids and respiratory droplets.

The DOH said while Monkeypox may look like smallpox, it is less contagious and causes less severe illness.

Minimum public health standards will prevent Monkeypox transmission, it said.

“Wear your best-fitted mask, ensure good airflow, keep hands clean and keep physical distance. These also protect against COVID-19,” the DOH advisory said.*

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