Stricter safety protocols are being studied by the Negros Occidental provincial government to curb the entry and spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in the province.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has already sent out notices on health protocols against mpox after capital Bacolod City confirmed its first case on Sunday, June 15.
“We are also studying the setting up of an airport watch, based on the recommendation of health officials,” Lacson said.
He said residents should be proactive in taking measures to be aware and vigilant of the contagious disease.
“If you have rashes, have yourself checked by a doctor right away,” Lacson said.
The governor recommends the wearing of face masks in closed and crowded areas.
Negros Occidental remains free from the contagious mpox, the PHO said earlier.
The public is advised to follow hygiene and safety protocols, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who have flu-like symptoms or unexplained skin rashes, PHO head Girlie Pinongan said.
Health authorities in Negros Occidental are keeping a close watch to prevent the entry of mpox cases in the province.
Coordination
In Bacolod, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he will coordinate with the provincial government and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to strengthen monitoring measures against mpox.
Benitez is also mulling thermal scanning for incoming passengers at Bacolod-Silay Airport and seaports for possible mpox cases, despite the fact that the Department of Health (DOH) does not require it.
He said temperature screenings will be conducted by health personnel at the points of entry to the city, as fever is one of the symptoms of mpox.
“No need to wait for DOH’s recommendation to strengthen the fight against mpox,” he said.
The mayor said safety and health protocols are being implemented at points of entry in Bacolod, particularly at Bredco and Banago ports and the Bacolod-Silay Airport.
He doesn’t see the need for the mandatory wearing of face masks, despite direct transmission still occurring through respiratory droplets.
Meanwhile, Benitez said the first mpox case in the city was an isolated case.
The patient, currently confined at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), has had no history of traveling outside Bacolod, he said.
The mayor has directed the City Health Office to investigate how the patient acquired mpox.
The mpox variant that the patient has is not transmitted fast; it can only be acquired through saliva and sexual contact.
Benitez also reiterated his call for vigilance and to follow hygiene and safety protocols, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who have flu-like symptoms or unexplained skin rashes.
CLMMRH earlier wanted to reassure residents that the risk of mpox to the public remains low.
“It is not known to be transmitted via the airborne route — meaning across rooms and public spaces,” CLMMRH said.
“We encourage the community to remain calm and to stay informed through official health channels,” it added.
Sick individuals are advised to seek consultation early, especially if they have a rash, avoid close skin-to-skin contact and not share personal items, the hospital said.
Mpox, a viral disease, presents symptoms similar to other infections, including fever, headache, body and back aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Usually, the person infected experiences the following symptoms: rashes or hives with blisters on the face, hands, feet, body, eyes, mouth, or genitals that last for two to four weeks; fever; headache; muscle pain; back pain; weakness; swollen lymph nodes; and sore throat.
Mpox symptoms appear five to 21 days after contact with an infected person./WDJ