The Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cordillera called on local government units to assist in the prevention of transmission and spread of monkeypox virus following the first confirmed case in the Philippines on July 29.
“While the Department of Health is assuring us that our public health surveillance systems are able to detect and confirm monkeypox cases, we are calling on LGUs to assist in the prevention on the possible transmission and spread of this new virus,” said DILG Regional Director Araceli San Jose.
She also advised the LGUs to be familiarized with DOH guidelines and protocols on the surveillance, screening, management, and infection control of monkeypox.
Based on DOH Memoranda 2022-0220 and 2022-0291, guidelines and protocols include rapid detection and identification of cases, immediate containment, and provision of appropriate clinical care to prevent transmission; collection of samples by the DOH Epidemiology Bureau for confirmatory testing and genome sequencing; coordination with the DOH, through the Bureau of Quarantine, for the isolation and quarantine of infected individuals; and provision of supportive treatment directed at relieving symptoms and secondary infection in cases of complications.
“With the possible transmission of the new virus, LGUs shall ensure the readiness of their respective local health office, Epidemiologic and Surveillance Units, and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams to implement the guidelines and protocols, in preparation for activation once the need arises,” San Jose said.
She also reminded the LGUs to strictly monitor travelers from the countries with reported or ongoing cases of monkeypox who are manifesting symptoms such as fever, intense headache, lymphadenopathy or swelling of the lymph nodes, backpain, myalgia or muscle aches, intense asthenia, lack of energy, and skin eruption.
In accordance with Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, LGUs are directed to coordinate with the private healthcare facilities to ensure reporting of individuals experiencing signs and symptoms of monkeypox.
San Jose said LGUs shall report information on suspected or confirmed cases to the DOH, through the Epidemiology Bureau and Centers for Health Development within 24 hours.
San Jose also called on LGUs to enjoin their constituents to strictly adhere to minimum public health standards to prevent infection, with the focus on teaching individuals and communities about measures to limit infection, including constant disinfection, practice of good hand and respiratory hygiene, and minimization of contact with sick individuals, particularly skin-to-skin or sexual contact with those exhibiting the signs and symptoms of monkeypox.
The World Health Organization recently declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. Monkeypox has been detected in 71 countries, Japan being the latest, and heavily concentrated in Europe. There are also five deaths listed in Africa. – Press release
