Experts say PH's Covid response experience can help combat monkeypox
Experts believe that there is no need to fear the monkeypox as the Philippines’ Covid-19 pandemic response experience can help fight the viral disease if it enters the country.

"We have a three-year drill for wearing masks and that will actually help a lot," said epidemiologist Enrique A. Tayag during a forum hosted by the University of the Philippines (UP), UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center, and UP Philippine General Hospital on Friday, June 3.
As there is no reported case yet in the country, Tayag advised authorities to immediately conduct contact tracing should there be a suspected infection.
"Iyong konting takot ay maganda rin po 'yon sapagkat makakapag-ingat tayo (That little fear is okay as it will make us more careful)," he added.
"Praktisado na tayo eh no, we already have the tools and we have been performing and using these tools—masking and hygiene, keeping distance sa mga hindi natin masyado kakilala. All of these will continue to help us (We are already used to it, we already have the tools and we have been performing and using these tools—masking and hygiene, keeping distance from people we do not know. All of these will continue to help us)," said Dr. Joseph Adrian Buensalido, a clinical associate professor.
Buensalido also shared that monkeypox is not as contagious as Covid-19, therefore maintaining basic health protocols will help slow down reproduction.
One monkeypox infected person can only infect one or not even infect anyone at all, he added.
Based on available data, the virus can be passed on from animal to human or from human to human.
It can be transmitted via respiratory droplets like saliva, other bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces and materials.
It can enter through the respiratory tract, mucus membranes (eyes and mouth), and broken skin.
Its signs and symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sores in the mouth and throat, rashes, and eye irritation or redness.
Once infected, the incubation period will range from seven to 17 days. A person also remains infectious until scabs fall off.
Buensalido also encouraged giving psychological support to those who will get infected by monkeypox because the unpleasant scars from rashes can lead to body image issues. (Luisa Cabato)