Bohol creates ‘Monkeypox Task Force’

Local

WITH Mpox cases rising in other parts of the country, the provincial government of Bohol has activated a dedicated task force to strengthen surveillance, information drives, and response coordination, even as it reported no confirmed local infections so far.

Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, through Executive Order No. 28, formally created the Bohol Provincial Monkeypox Task Force.

He convened an emergency meeting with key officials and agencies to lay out immediate measures in anticipation of potential mpox cases.

“Wala pa kita'y kaso sa maong sakit, apan higpit natong gi-obserbahan ang sitwasyon pinaagi sa atong Provincial Health Office (PHO),” Aumentado said in a recent public advisory.

The newly formed task force is composed of provincial officials, including Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Piollo, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay, PHO OIC Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, PDRRMO head Anthony Damalerio, and PGSO head Engr. Eustaquio Caliao.

The PHO has already instructed all rural health units (RHUs), hospitals, and local facilities to intensify community-based information campaigns focusing on early detection, isolation, and prompt reporting of symptoms that may be linked to mpox.

In the same meeting, Aumentado urged residents to be alert and avoid unnecessary gatherings to limit exposure.

“Let us continue to maintain the cleanliness of our environment and our health,” he said.

Provincial Administrator Caberte was also tasked to coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to prevent possible price manipulation or profiteering, especially for medical supplies like masks and sanitizers.

“If you have a family member experiencing abnormal health conditions and itchy skin or rashes, consult our health experts for early detection,” the governor added.

The Department of Health (DOH) also issued a reminder to the public to observe minimum health standards. These include:

- Wearing masks in crowded areas

- Washing hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer

- Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

- Ensuring good airflow and ventilation

- Avoiding close contact with individuals showing mpox symptoms

Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family that includes smallpox.

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that mpox spreads through close, often skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual or through exposure to their bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding.

While most mpox cases are mild and self-limiting, the virus has two types: clade I, which is more severe, and clade II, which has caused recent outbreaks with milder symptoms.

The 2022 global outbreak was linked to clade II.

According to researchers, the disease was first identified in 1958 in lab monkeys in Africa and later confirmed in humans in 1972, making it a zoonotic illness transmissible from animals to humans.

The Bohol PHO emphasized that continued public vigilance and cooperation are crucial as authorities ramp up their monitoring efforts and readiness.

The public is urged to stay informed through official government channels and avoid misinformation.

“Ako kamong gidasig nga maghiusa kita, pagpanalipod sa atong lalawigan batok ning Monkeypox virus kay sayod ako nga kaya nato kini pinaagi sa atong pagtinabangay,” Aumentado said.(TGP)