BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – The national government is working hard to ensure that the Monkeypox, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared as a public health emergency, will not become a health concern in the country through strict screening of travelers, especially from areas with documented local cases, and prevention of entry of travelers from high risk countries.
Department of Health – Cordillera (DOH – CAR) Regional Director Rio Magpantay advises the public not to be much alarmed on the issue of monkeypox as like any communicable disease, it is highly preventable.
So far, there is still one case of monkeypox recorded in the country – a 31 year old that arrived from abroad who tested positive in July 29, but already discharged and undergoing strict isolation and monitoring at home.
It is a viral zoonotic virus transferred from animal to human and transmission can be direct (animal to human or human to human) or indirect contact or through respiratory droplets, lesion material, body fluids or contaminated materials or surface and can enter a person through respiratory tract, broken skin or mucus membrane (eyes and mouth).
It is also highly preventable, Magpantay said. He advises the public to continue wearing their face mask, maintain physical distancing, regular handwashing and by avoiding contact with exotic animals or those with unknown origin or with dead and sick animals, as well as by avoiding eating uncooked or not well – cooked animal meats.
Magpantay shared the 4 – door strategy to prevent and control monkeypox and other emerging infectious diseases namely Point of Origin, Point of Entry, Point of Care which involves intensified PDITR or Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat and Reintegrate and Epidemic Surge (prevention) through wide scale community quarantine, and Preparing the Healthcare System.
Meantime, the DOH also reminds the public to continue protecting themselves from COVID – 19 and Dengue, which currently are on an increasing trend. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
