DOH reminds public to stay alert amid lifting of public health emergency on monkeypox
By Dhel Nazario
The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public on Friday, May 12, of the importance of staying alert as the World Health Organization (WHO) lifted the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on monkeypox.
"If you have a travel history to countries with Monkeypox, and then have symptoms like fever, lymphadenopathy or 'kulani', and rashes, seek immediate medical attention," DOH said in a statement.
It added that the public should always keep in mind the layers of protection – such as wearing masks, isolating when feeling symptoms, and frequent handwashing – can aid in preventing disease transmission.
DOH explained that lifting the PHEIC signifies that the world is on its road to recovery, providing a global opportunity to effectively respond to future pandemics as well.
"The DOH intensified its surveillance systems and immediately employed necessary containment measures to prevent the spread of the disease. It may also be noted that the Philippines did not declare its own PHE on the said disease," it said in a statement.
"Rest assured that the DOH will remain vigilant and continue to guarantee the public that the Philippines is capable of containing the Monkeypox virus in the country," it added.
Monkeypox virus is "transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding," according to WHO.
There have only been four confirmed cases of monkeypox and all have already recovered. The fourth was a 25-year-old Filipino with no history of travel to any country with confirmed monkeypox cases.