Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. tasked all local government units (LGUs) to immediately enforce ‘proactive measures’ to prevent the transmission of monkeypox.

“While everyone is assured that our public health surveillance systems are able to detect and confirm monkeypox cases, all LGUs are nonetheless called to carry out measures in close coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) in stemming the spread of this new virus,” Abalos said.

Abalos acknowledged that health authorities are strictly monitoring inbound and outbound travelers for monkeypox cases but stressed “it would be in the best interest of the LGUs to be prepared for any eventualities.’’

“The adage prevention is better than cure still applies today. As the primary front liners in your areas, it behooves upon our LGUs to initiate precautionary measures and spread awareness to your constituents about monkeypox and what they need to do about it,” he added.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the infection of the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. According to the Department of Health, the common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, lack of energy, and skin eruptions.

In an advisory, Abalos enjoined provincial governors and city/municipal mayors to ensure the readiness of their respective Local Health Offices, Epidemiologic and Surveillance Units, and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams to implement the DOH guidelines and protocols on the surveillance, screening, management, and infection control of monkeypox.

The DILG chief added that the LGUs should closely monitor travelers from countries with reported or ongoing cases of monkeypox who are experiencing signs and symptoms, coordinate with private health care facilities to ensure the reporting of individuals experiencing symptoms, and report information on suspected or confirmed cases to the DOH within 24 hours.

Abalos also urged the public to strictly adhere to minimum public health standards (MPHS) set by the DOH, conduct disinfection measures, practice good hand and respiratory hygiene and minimize contact with sick persons to limit infection.

“This is not the first time that we are faced with a huge health concern. We have been through the worst of times during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic so we are now more resilient as a people and can rise above any other challenge, including monkeypox,” Abalos noted.

The first monkeypox case in the country was a Filipino who arrived from abroad last July 19.

According to the DOH, the Filipino afflicted with the disease is already in recovery and the 10 close contacts are placed in quarantine and being closely monitored for symptoms.

The DOH also said that unlike Covid-19, not everyone may be required to be vaccinated as protection against monkeypox except health workers and other vulnerable sectors.

QC, San Juan early measures vs monkeypox

Abalos cited the Quezon City (QC) and San Juan LGUs for taking early measures in handling possible virus cases.

In Quezon City, a Quick Response Team for monkeypox contact tracing was organized under its Epidemiology Surveillance Unit and allocated one of the city’s Covid-19 facilities for monkeypox patients following the drop in the pandemic cases in the city.

“Information seminars will likewise be conducted among QC health practitioners from public and private hospitals and health centers; social hygiene, sundown clinics, medium, small, and micro community organizations. Art cards and information materials are likewise disseminated in strategic locations to raise public awareness of monkeypox,’’ the DILG said.

All government-owned hospitals in Quezon City including Quezon City General Hospital, Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, and Novaliches District Hospital have already designated isolation rooms for suspected, probable and confirmed cases of monkeypox.

In San Juan, the city government implemented health protocols against monkeypox; conducted information campaigns; and designated monkeypox isolation facilities as part of their reparations. (Chito A. Chavez)