The City Health Office (CHO) remains steadfast in its efforts to curb the spread of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, by intensifying contact tracing and monitoring activities across the city.
Farrah Mae Clamor, Head of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU), in an interview said that four of the seven Mpox cases confirmed in Davao City have already recovered and discharged.
“Meaning nong discharge ka, wala na po yong symptoms, hindi na infectious yong pasyente (This means that when you are discharged, your symptoms are gone, and the patient is no longer infectious),” she said.
She also clarified that although patients have recovered, there remains a risk of recurrence if re-exposed to the virus through close contact with another confirmed case.
Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases Program Manager of the CHO, during the 21st regular session on Tuesday said that from January 1 to June 2, Davao City has confirmed a total of seven Mpox cases.
She said that out of the 49 close contacts identified, 35 individuals have completed the mandated 21-day monitoring period without showing any sign or symptom of Mpox, while the remaining 14 contacts are currently under observation.
She said that Mpox is an infectious disease characterized by painful rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and low energy. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials.
She also emphasized that as part of its prevention strategy, the CHO has been rigorously enforcing minimum health protocols. These measures include practicing proper two-minute handwashing, using of alcohol-based sanitizers, disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces, and avoiding close intimate interactions, especially with individuals suspected of having contracted the disease.
Individuals suspected of contracting Mpox are encouraged to immediately isolate and seek prompt medical care by notifying the local health authorities.
Residents may contact CHO-City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) at 09495011457; CHO’s OPCEN at 0945 813 6065, 0927 604 5797 and 0919 071 1111; Bureau of Quarantine XI at 228- 6701 and 0917 153 2046; Bureau of Quarantine – Airport Office at 0917 150 3122; Office of Civil Defense XI at 0917 178 9711; and the SPMC Patient Navigation and Referral Unit (PNRU) at 227-2731 loc. 1120, 0917 815 2390 and 0915 541 3040 (via Viber). CIO
