QUEZON CITY RESIDENTS URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AMID MPOX

The Quezon City government has recorded its second and third cases of mpox infections, residents are urged to take preventive measures (Photo courtesy of AFP/R.Satish Babu)

The Quezon City government has urged its residents to take precautionary measures against mpox (monkeypox) as the city recorded its second and third cases of mpox infection last week. 

On Saturday, the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) identified that the second case is a 29-year-old male while the third case is a 36-year-old male. Both cases are undergoing home isolation and receiving medical attention according to the city government. 

On August 21, the second case started exhibiting symptoms including a mouth lesion and was tested for mpox on August 28. While the third case suffered a fever on August 26 and had an onset of rash the next day.

The first case of mpox in Quezon City was identified in a 37-year-old man, who is currently under home quarantine.

At the time, the total mpox caseload in the Philippines was at 17 since July 2022. All cases tested positive with MPXV clade II which is a milder form of the mpox virus. The DOH said that suspected cases of mpox may avail of testing services in government hospitals for free "as of now" to confirm whether or not they have the monkeypox virus. 

“Mpox is no joke. Its effects can be severe, especially for those with weakened immune systems. It’s important for all of us to take precautions to avoid catching the virus and prevent its spread,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte stated. 

“If you are exhibiting symptoms of mpox, go to your nearest health center or hospital immediately for examination. The local government will attend to you and stands ready to provide assistance for your speedy recovery,” she added.

The city government recently established the QC Task Force MPOX through Executive Order No. 14, Series of 2024 chaired by Mayor Belmonte to enhance its response to the mpox situation, which is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the status of mpox cases in Quezon City and preparing an emergency or epidemic response plan.

Public are advised to avoid close, intimate skin-to-skin contact so as not to get mpox. Wash hands with soap and water and cover the skin. Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2–4 weeks. The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

Source: Philippine Star

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