DOH-6 enhances surveillance amid mpox concerns

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Health Western Visayas (DOH-6) has urged clinics and health units to promptly report suspected cases of Mpox after the country recently detected its first case of the virus this year.

“Currently, our priority is surveillance, and we are emphasizing to our health facilities or clinics that if we have a suspected Mpox case, it is important that it is detected early,” said Dr. Bea Natalaray of the Infectious Disease Section of DOH-6.

She highlighted that the epidemiology and surveillance unit of DOH-6 continuously reminds surveillance teams at the provincial and municipal levels to submit specimens from patients exhibiting symptoms or suspected cases to the regional office.

The DOH-6 will then facilitate the submission of these specimens to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City for confirmation.

Natalaray also noted that DOH-6 has already distributed formal guidelines to health facilities, reinforcing the health department’s protocol for handling Mpox cases.

As a preventive measure, she urged the public to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

“Avoid contact with individuals who have Mpox or who are showing symptoms of Mpox infection,” she added.

“Observe respiratory etiquette, such as covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing,” she continued.

Mpox can spread through close and intimate contact with an infected person or animal, as well as through exposure to contaminated materials, such as wounds, body fluids, and respiratory droplets.

Infection with the Mpox virus begins with an incubation period during which the person does not have symptoms and may feel fine. Symptoms typically start within 21 days of exposure to the virus.

Common Mpox symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

Natalaray noted that treatment for Mpox is primarily supportive and aimed at relieving symptoms.

“Currently, no antiviral or immune globulin treatments have been locally approved and authorized for the treatment of Mpox by the Food and Drug Administration,” she added.