QC: Some close contact cases of mpox patient hard to reach for monitoring

A number of the close contacts of the 33-year old man who is the first confirmed mpox (formerly monkeypox) case in Metro Manila are hard to reach for monitoring, the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU)said on Thursday.

A total of 41 individuals were reported to have close contact with the mpox case, 28 of whom are considered Type 1 or may have had direct contact with the patient and are more likely to develop symptoms.

As part of the protocol, all close contacts are being monitored by the local government. 

However, some of the 28 are inconsistent in reporting their condition, according to health officials.  

"Hindi namin alam kung sinusunod nila at this time yung home quarantine or ayaw lang nila makipag usap kasi for whatever reason. Hindi na maituro sa atin sino talaga sa kanila ang naka encounter so we are asking for their cooperation,” said Dr. Rolando Cruz, CESU head.

(We don’t know if they have been observing home quarantine at this time or they do not want to talk to us for whatever reason. They refuse to inform us as to who among them had an encounter so we are asking for their cooperation.)

The QC local government has communicated with the management of the spa which the mpox victim visited, even after he had already exhibited symptoms.

Cruz explained that some of the details provided by the spa, which was found to be operating illegally, were incorrect.

"Meron lang hindi consistent kasi meron kami hinahanap pa, na kina-clarify doon sa (spa) kasi hindi kumpleto yung data nung iba," he added.

To prevent the spread of the disease, the QC LGU has conducted a rapid assessment of businesses of a similar nature.

"Sa reception nakalagay doon yung business permit. Tingnan niyo kung updated, tingnan nyo kung may sanitary permit and then hingan nyo ng health card yung masahista," Cruz advised.

(At the reception the business permit is supposed to be displayed. Check if it is updated, whether it has a sanitary permit and also ask for the health card of the masseuse.)

Meanwhile, the Department of Health said it is coming up with guidelines or health protocols for businesses that usually require close contact with customers.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, DOH  spokesperson, said, "Walang mawawala kung mag suot po ng gloves at saka yung ating facemask. Bakit? Kasi yung ating mga barbero, stylists, beauticians, intimate contact yan. Our interest is to continue the business activities while making sure that health is still the main consideration."

(Nothing will be lost if we wear gloves and facemasks. Why? Our barbers, stylists, beauticians, these are intimate contacts.) —RF, GMA Integrated News