No Monkeypox case in PH yet, says DOH

THE Department of Health (DOH) said Friday, May 20, that no case of the Monkeypox has been detected in the Philippines so far despite its emergence in European countries, the United States, and Canada.

In a statement, the DOH said the viral disease that originated in African nations has yet to reach the country’s shores.

“To date, Monkeypox has not been detected within the Philippines or at its borders,” said the DOH.

It said, though, that border screening has been enhanced in the country’s airports and seaports.

“DOH is intensifying screening at our borders and ensuring that surveillance systems are actively monitoring the situation,” it said.

The health department asked the public to continue to adhere to the minimum public health standards in a bid to avoid Monkeypox transmission.

“Wear your best-fitted mask, ensure good airflow, keep hands clean, and keep physical distance,” said the DOH.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Monkeypox is a viral disease coming from animals and occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

Its symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, which may lead to a range of medical complications.

The Monkeypox virus is transmitted to humans through close contact (wounds, body fluids, respiratory droplets) with an infected person or animal, or with contaminated materials.

While Monkeypox may look like Smallpox, the DOH said it is less contagious and causes less severe illness.

Recently, Monkeypox cases have been found in European countries, the United States and Canada.