Cebu City residents urged to be vigilant vs mpox

Local

WITH monkeypox (Mpox) recently reported in the country, the Cebu City Health Department (CHD) is urging residents to stay alert and take preventive measures.

Dr. Daisy Villa, head of the CCHD, underscored the importance of employing basic hygiene practices that were effective during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She emphasized the value of routine handwashing, frequent surface disinfection, and wearing face masks to help prevent the spread of Mpox. She noted that these measures, which include washing hands and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, are crucial for minimizing transmission.

Given that Mpox can be transmitted through coughing or close contact, Villa also recommended mask use to reduce the risk of infection.

According to the World Health Organization, Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family.

This family also includes variola, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.

Villa explained that Mpox is mainly spread through direct contact with an infected person, whether through skin-to-skin contact, mouth-to-mouth contact, or face-to-face interaction.

Symptoms generally develop within three to 17 days of exposure and may include rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and fatigue.

Although there are no specific vaccines for Mpox at present, antiviral medications can help alleviate symptoms.

She urged anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention rather than self-medicating. Local barangay health centers provide medical isolation and treatment for suspected cases.

Villa stressed the need for prompt medical consultation if symptoms such as fever, rashes, or blisters appear, to ensure appropriate advice and treatment.

For suspected Mpox cases, CHD staff will collect skin lesion samples for testing, which will be sent to the Department of Health office in Manila. Confirmatory results are expected within 48 to 72 hours.

Early detection is crucial for managing and controlling the spread of Mpox, Villa emphasized. The CHD has also prepared barangay health centers and personnel to address potential Mpox cases.

Additionally, the Cebu City Quarantine Center at the North Reclamation Area has been designated as a potential isolation facility for Mpox, if necessary.(MyTVCebu)