ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas is calling on government agencies and high-risk establishments to adopt stricter workplace health protocols to prevent a potential mpox outbreak.
“We strongly encourage you to incorporate effective prevention practices within your workplaces as well as in high-risk establishments, especially those that receive clients daily,” said Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, head of DOH Region 6’s Infectious Disease Cluster.
Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is a contagious disease transmitted primarily through close or intimate physical contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include skin rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle pain.
Dr. Natalaray emphasized the need for heightened vigilance in environments with frequent public interaction.
The Health department is reinforcing its surveillance activities and urging institutions to implement robust sanitation procedures. Among the recommendations are frequent cleaning and disinfection of shared surfaces — especially high-touch areas such as reception counters, door handles, comfort rooms, and lounges.
To further reduce exposure, Dr. Natalaray advised agencies to place hands-free sanitizing stations in busy areas like lobbies, offer online appointments to lessen foot traffic, and assign dedicated desktop computers to employees to limit surface contact.
She also called on offices to establish or update mpox exposure protocols, including isolation procedures, reporting systems, and internal communication mechanisms to manage potential cases effectively.
Dr. Natalaray added that while cases in the country have so far involved the less severe Clade II variant, vigilance is essential to prevent the more dangerous Clade I strain, particularly from international travelers.
“At our entry points, such as airports and seaports, we will keep watching incoming travelers from other countries to help prevent Clade I of mpox, which can cause severe illness,” she said.
The DOH-6 is appealing for a coordinated response from all sectors to ensure that early containment efforts remain effective. The public is likewise reminded to stay informed, practice proper hygiene, and seek medical help at the first sign of symptoms./PN
