BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has urged the public to take precautions against monkeypox (Mpox).
Lacson said that the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has issued advisories to local government units (LGUs) to stay alert, following reports of Mpox cases in Iloilo.
LACSON
He emphasized the need for consistent public information efforts. “We should constantly inform the public not to take any unusual symptoms lightly,” he said.
The governor stressed the importance of early detection. “If you notice any rashes on your body, don’t make assumptions. If you notice anything odd, have yourself checked immediately to find out whether it’s Mpox or not,” he said.
This highly-urbanized city recorded one Mpox case last week and has since intensified its monitoring on travelers to detect carriers of flu-like symptoms in entry points such as ports and airports.
Lacson noted that while no additional personnel have been deployed at the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental related to health protocols, they are open to reassessing measures.
“Although we have not increased the number of personnel there, we will have to study the recommendations of health officials if we have to set up an airport watch similar to what we had during Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
He added that no formal study has been conducted to determine the need for airport screening stations.