The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said that Monkeypox, a viral disease coming from animals, has not been detected within the Philippines or the country’s borders.
“In the interest of protecting the general public from both diseases and misinformation, the Department of Health provides this advisory about the recent cases of Monkeypox found in European countries, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom,” the DOH said in an advisory.
The DOH assured that it is intensifying screening of borders and ensuring that surveillance systems are actively monitoring the situation.
According to the World Health organization (WHO), Monkeypox occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.
Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, which may lead to a range of medical complications.
The Monkeypox virus is transmitted to humans through close contact (wounds, body fluids, respiratory droplets) with an infected person or animal, or with contaminated materials. While Monkeypox may look like Smallpox, it is less contagious and causes less severe illness.
“Minimum public health standards will prevent Monkeypox transmission: wear your best-fitted mask, ensure good airflow, keep hands clean, and keep physical distance. These also protect us against Covid-19,” the DOH said.