The Department of Health (DOH) said there are still no monkeypox cases in the Philippines.
“To date, Monkeypox has not been detected within the Philippines or at its borders,” the DOH said in an advisory on Friday, May 20.
The DOH said monkeypox virus is “transmitted to humans through close contact (wounds, body fluids, respiratory droplets) with an infected person or animal, or with contaminated materials.”
“Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, which may lead to a range of medical complications,” it said.
It noted that while “monkeypox may look like smallpox, it is less contagious and causes less severe illness.”
The DOH said that recent cases of monkeypox were found in European countries, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
While there is still no case of monkeypox in the country, the DOH said that the minimum public health standards will help in preventing its transmission.
“Minimum public health standards will prevent Monkeypox transmission: wear your best-fitted mask, ensure good airflow, keep hands clean, and keep physical distance. These also protect us against Covid-19,” the DOH said.
“DOH is intensifying screening at our borders and ensuring that surveillance systems are actively monitoring the situation,” it added.