Negros Island and Bacolod City officials announced on Monday, June 2, the implementation of preemptive measures versus the entry and spread of Mpox in their areas.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez has directed inspections at points of entry into Bacolod City, while Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria has created a task force to prevent the spread of Mpox.
So far no Mpox cases have been recorded in Negros Island and Bacolod and there is no need to close borders, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.
However, in the light of detected cases of Mpox Clade Il in the Philippines, especially in nearby provinces, it is advised that the general public should be proactive in taking measures to build awareness, vigilance and preparedness, Lacson said in an advisory.
So far four cases of Mpox have been detected in Iloilo City, which have been identified and treated, Lacson said.
Benitez said although the Department of Health (DOH) does not require it yet, he has directed the City Health Office to monitor incoming passengers at sea ports and the airport for Mpox cases.
There is no need to wait for the recommendation of the DOH to strengthen the fight against Mpox, he said.
Sagarbarria issued an executive order creating the Negros Oriental Mpox Task Force “to effectively prevent and control the spread of the MPox virus within the province”.
Lacson, in an advisory issued Monday, said Mpox is a viral contagious disease caused by a monkeypox virus that has symptoms similar to smallpox.
If you have rashes have yourself checked by a doctor right away, Lacson said.
Usually persons infected experience rashes or hives with blisters on the face, hands, feet, body, eyes, mouth or genitals that lasts for 2-4 weeks, fever, headaches, muscle pain, back pain, weakness and swollen lymph nodes.
- Mpox symptoms appear 5 to 21 days after contact with an infected person, and usually last 2 – 4 weeks.
- The patient is contagious from the day of the first symptoms until all the scabs of the rash have spontaneously fallen off, Lacson’s advisory said.
- This disease is transmitted through close contact with a person with Mpox.*
