Mindanao residents encouraged to use face mask vs mpox infection

A resident holds a flyer on mpox distributed during a town hall meeting held in San Juan City in Metro Manila in September 2024. — Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — Health authorities in several localities in Mindanao have advised the public to use face masks to hedge against Monkeypox (mpox) infection.

The City Health Office (CHO) in Davao City on Friday confirmed four new mpox cases although it made assurance they are all in stable condition.

Last April, the Davao CHO reported two mpox cases, one of whom died due to complications unrelated to the disease, while the other has fully recovered.

Dr. Sofia Zafra, CHO’s emerging and reemerging infectious disease coordinator, said they are closely monitoring the patients who are admitted at the Southern Philippines Medical Center, as well as their close contacts.

Zafra told Davao City Disaster Radio on Friday that wearing a face mask is encouraged “especially in enclosed spaces.”

But in neighboring Davao del Sur province, Gov. Yvonne Cagas had ordered the wearing of face masks mandatory in public spaces to prevent the potential spread of mpox virus.

Cagas issued the order on May 28 following the confirmation of an infection in Magsaysay town.

On Friday, the provincial government urged the suspension of swimming pool operations in line with the precautionary measures against mpox ordered by Cagas.

READ: Suspected Mpox case reported in Maasin City

In Zamboanga del Sur, health authorities urged the public to take measures, such as using face masks, to heightened their shield against mpox infection.

This came after nearby Zamboanga Sibugay province confirmed its first mpox infection through a three-year-old girl from Tungawan town who is now confined at the George T. Hofer Medical Center in Ipil town. /jpv