BACOLOD City – Following the confirmation of monkeypox (mpox) cases in Iloilo city and province, the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) ramped up its preventive measures and awareness campaign to protect residents from the viral disease.
Since Iloilo is only a little over an hour away from Bacolod via fastcraft, the city government prompted local authorities to take immediate action.
The CHO, in coordination with barangay officials, will conduct information dissemination campaigns in various communities to educate the public on how to prevent the spread of mpox.
Mpox is a rare viral illness. Despite its name, monkeys are not the primary carriers. The virus is more commonly found in rodents.
The CHO also shared to the public the mpox prevention measures which include avoiding close contact with infected individuals or animals, avoiding contact with materials such as bedding or clothing used by infected persons, regular handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, thorough cooking of foods that contain animal meat, and avoiding physical intimacy (with anyone showing symptoms of mpox.
Dr. Grace Tan, chief of the CHO’s Environmental Sanitation Division, explained that mpox can be transmitted through person-to-person contact, such as skin or mucosal contact, respiratory droplets (through talking or breathing), or intimate physical contact.
Transmission may also occur through indirect contact with contaminated objects like bedding, or through zoonotic transmission — from infected animals such as rodents or primates to humans.
On the other hand, common symptoms of mpox (5–21 days after exposure) includes fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and rashes (may appear on the hands, feet, mouth, or tongue)
Tan strongly urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms, especially unusual rashes.
She also encouraged residents to report any suspected cases promptly, emphasizing that multiple infectious diseases are currently circulating.
The CHO is prepared to assist patients for free testing to confirm suspected mpox cases. Vaccines and medications will also be provided when necessary. If isolation is required, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will arrange facilities and assistance./PN
