DOH clarifies mpox not airborne

The Department of Health clarified that monkeypox (mpox) was transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and was not airborne.

According to a 24 Oras report by Oscar Oida on Friday, the DOH released interim guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of mpox.

The guidelines included maintaining hygiene, disinfecting items, wearing additional layers of protection such as long sleeves or jackets, and avoiding possibly contaminated animals like monkeys.

“Namamatay naman po agad [ang virus] sa sabon at paghuhugas,” said DOH-MMCHD Regional Director Rio Magpantay.

(The virus dies right away using soap and washing.)

Healthcare providers have been instructed to inform DOH of suspected or confirmed mpox cases within 24 hours, while possible close contacts are mandated to monitor for possible symptoms within 21 days after the last contact.

“Kasi para maging nakakahawa ka, kailangan mayroon kang blister,” Magpantay added.

(For you to become contagious, you must have a blister.)

Meanwhile, inbound and outbound travelers are also mandated to report rashes or blisters that appear within 30 days through travel forms before their trip.

“Kung meron kang [mga] pantal or butlig, ikaw ay  lalapitan ng taga-Bureau of Quarantine respectfully at aabisuhan na  magkakaroon ng secondary screening para mag-eksamen kung pwede ka  magiging suspect mpox case,” said DOH Spokesperson Assistant Secretary  Albert Domingo.

(If you have rashes or blisters, a member of  the Bureau of Quarantine will approach you respectfully and they will  recommend you to have a secondary screening to examine if you are a  suspected mpox case.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News