DOH says COVID-19 health protocols may be used vs. monkeypox

The Department of Health (DOH) asked the public to adhere to the same health protocols against COVID-19 to protect themselves should the monkeypox virus enter the Philippines.

The DOH re-issued the public health advisory on monkeypox after the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday declared it as a "public health emergency of international concern” — the highest alarm it can sound.

Just like the minimum public health standards for COVID-19, measures to prevent the transmission of monkeypox virus include wearing the best-fitted mask, ensuring good airflow, keeping hands clean, and observing physical distance, the DOH said.

The agency also noted that the smallpox vaccine has been proven to be "85% effective" in preventing monkeypox.

In a statement on Sunday, the DOH said they have been preparing their monkeypox response along with their partners ever since an uptick in cases was reported in several countries in May 2022.

In June, a real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was set up by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to detect possible monkeypox virus cases in the country.

Aside from releasing the interim technical guidelines for the implementation of monkeypox surveillance, screening, management, and infection control, the DOH said it also conducted online town halls and meetings with health care workers, DOH regional offices, and local health officials.

No monkeypox in the Philippines yet

Further, DOH Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire said the Philippines has not yet detected a single case of the monkeypox virus.

“Hanggang sa ngayon, wala pa rin pong nakitaan sa Pilipinas na pasok sa depenisyon ng isang suspect monkeypox case. Ang itsura ay karaniwang naipapaliwanag ng ibang mga sakit na kahawig ng monkeypox, ngunit hindi nito kapareho,” she said in a statement.

(Up to now, there has been no finding in the Philippines that fits the definition of a suspect monkeypox case. The clinical presentation is often explained by other diseases that look like monkeypox, but is not the same).

The DOH said the WHO issued temporary recommendations for countries like the Philippines with no history of monkeypox in humans, which include:

• Activate multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms for readiness and response, to stop human to human transmission;
• Avoid stigmatization and discrimination against any individual or population group that may be affected, to help prevent further undetected transmission;
• Intensify epidemiology and disease surveillance;
• Intensify detection capacity by raising awareness and training health workers;
• Raise awareness about virus transmission, related prevention and protective measures, and symptoms and signs among communities that are currently affected as well as among other population groups that may be at risk;
• Engage key community-based groups and civil society networks to increase provision of reliable and factual information;
• Focus risk communication and community support efforts on settings and venues where close contact takes place;
• Immediately report to WHO probable and confirmed cases of monkeypox; and
• Implement all actions necessary to be ready to apply or continue applying further Temporary Recommendations for countries with detected cases, should there be a first-time detection of one or more suspected, probable or confirmed cases of monkeypox.

The DOH said monkeypox is a virus transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or contaminated materials. Some of its symptoms include fever, rashes, lymphadenopathy, or death.

GMA News Online sought the comment of the Palace regarding the WHO monkeypox outbreak declaration, but it has yet to respond as of posting. —KG, GMA News