CAGAYAN RECORDED FIRST MPOX CASE; TOTAL OF 14 CASES IN PH

The first mpox case in Region 2 Cagayan Valley has been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 14 (Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of NIAID/ABS-CBN News)

The Department of Health Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) released a statement that the first case of mpox was detected in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley). According to the health authorities in the region, the patient is now in isolation and receiving care.

The statement reads that "All close contacts will be monitored for symptoms and provided with appropriate guidance. Regional health officials are also coordinating with local government units to ensure that proper health protocols are being strictly followed to prevent further transmission of the virus.”

DOH Region 2 director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan is urging the public to remain calm and vigilant stressing the importance of adhering to standard health protocols which includes regular hand washing, wearing masks in crowded areas, and seeking medical attention if symptoms develop.

The DOH recently stated that the mpox cases in the country are expected to increase as six new cases were recorded bringing the total number of cases to 14 just this year 2024. Four of the cases were from the National Capital Region (NCR), one from Calabarzon, and the other one is from Cagayan Valley.

According to Health Secretary Herbosa, “This started when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. All of these are under the Clade II variant, which is the milder form of mpox.”

“This is very manageable, no need to be scared. DOH is on top of the situation. In fact all of the 23 cases, they didn’t infect additional persons. Isolation was implemented,” he added.

Herbosa also explained that the initial cost for the next three months will be sourced from public health funds. That would be P156 million for prevention, detection, isolation, treatment and rehabilitation.

“It is the same principle we are using for all infectious diseases, this includes prevention measures, meeting with influencers, providing test kits and laboratory training for medical technologists.”

Source: The Manila Times 

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