Monkeypox IS No longer A public HEALTH emergency—who

ON May 11, 2023, the World Health Organization lifted the public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) status for monkeypox, which was declared in July 2022.

WHO declared mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a public health emergency of international in July 2022.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recognized the proclamation of WHO regarding the lifting of the PHEIC on Monkeypox.

“This signifies that the world is on its road to recovery, providing a global opportunity to effectively respond to future pandemics as well,” the DOH said.

Intensified surveillance systems

THE DOH said that they intensified its surveillance systems and immediately employed necessary containment measures to prevent the spread of the disease. It may also be noted that the Philippines did not declare its own PHE on the said disease.

“However, it is still important to stay alert of its possible resurgence. If you have a travel history to countries with Monkeypox, and then have symptoms like fever, lymphadenopathy or ‘kulani,’ and rashes, seek immediate medical attention. The department also reminds the public that our layers of protection—such as wearing masks, isolating when feeling symptoms, and frequent handwashing—can aid in preventing disease transmission,” the DOH said.

The DOH assured that it will remain vigilant and continue to guarantee the public that the Philippines is capable of containing the Monkeypox virus in the country.

What is monkeypox?

MONKEYPOX is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus.

It is a viral zoonotic infection, meaning that it can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread from person to person through skinto-skin contact, including direct contact with the rash, hugging, kissing, or sexual contact.

Symptoms

COMMON symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headaches, muscle pain and back ache, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and rash with blisters on face, hands, feet, body, eyes, mouth, or genitals.

Monkeypox spreads from person to person through close physical contact with someone who has a monkeypox rash, including through face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact.

This may include direct contact with the rash, or through hugging, kissing, or sexual contact.

Vaccine

WHO said that there is a vaccine recently approved for preventing monkeypox.

Some countries are recommending vaccination for persons at risk like someone who has been a close contact of someone who has monkeypox, including health workers.

WHO does not recommend mass vaccination against monkeypox at this time.

Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection. Monkeypox can spread through close contact of any kind such as face-to-face, skinto-skin, mouth-to-mouth, mouthto-skin, or sexual contact.

Anyone with direct contact with a monkeypox rash, even without sexual contact, may be infected with it.