DOH detects 2 suspected mpox cases in Mindanao

FILE PHOTO: This undated image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases shows a colorized transmission electron micrograph of monkeypox particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue), cultured in the laboratory that was captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. (NIAID via Associated Press, File)

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — Health authorities in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Gen. Santos City) on Monday reported two possible cases of monkeypox (mpox) in the region.

Dr. Dyan Zubelle Parayao, chief of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health, said their personnel were closely monitoring and gathering data on the patients’ travel history to trace the source of the virus that infected them.

Parayao said RESU had collected specimen samples from the suspected carriers for laboratory tests at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and was awaiting confirmation if the symptoms were consistent with monkeypox.

She did not disclose the names of the patients and where they lived to prevent public humiliation and discrimination. Parayao said the patients were in isolation to prevent infecting other people.

READ: DOH records 3 new victims of mpox, bringing total number of cases to 17

“We have activated the surveillance unit and identified their close contacts who are now on quarantine,” she added.

The World Health Organization classified mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern.”

Parayao said mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact and contaminated materials such as sheets, clothing, and needles.

“We highly recommend physical distancing, regular washing of hands and, if symptoms are observed like fever, rashes, lumps, headaches, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, they must be reported to local health units,” she emphasized.

She also recommended the regular use of face masks, especially in crowded places.

READ: Mpox: Most cases infected thru sex