The City Government of Davao, through the City Health Office (CHO), assured Dabawenyos that established response measures and protocols for Monkeypox are being implemented
Amid news and information circulating online, Davao City is also not in a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) or other forms of lockdown due to the disease.
The public is urged to verify information before sharing online to avoid unnecessary panic.
Dabawenyos are also reminded to practice minimum health protocols to prevent the spread of monkeypox (Mpox) in the city.
Mpox is an infectious disease that causes painful rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and low energy. It is passed from people to people through skin-to-skin contact.
To prevent its spread, the CHO is implementing minimum health protocols including the two-minute proper handwashing, sanitation using alcohol, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding close intimate contacts especially with individuals suspected to have acquired the disease.
Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, CHO’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease Medical Coordinator, said in an interview with the Madayaw Program over city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) that wearing a face mask is advised to prevent acquiring viral diseases like flu.
Early detection through check up is also advised.
She also reminded the public that Mpox is a zoonotic disease which means that it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Zafra said people should avoid contact with animals, particularly mammals, that may carry the virus, including sick or diseased animals found in areas where Mpox is present. Signs and symptoms of Mpox in animals, including pets, can include rash, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite.
Zafra urged the public to stay vigilant, remain calm, and avoid panic.
“Di unta ta magpanic. Mas gwapo nga naga-follow ta og minimum health protocols but unta dili sad nato kalimtan nga dili sad ta magpanic kay hinuon naa pa ta’y pwede mahimo, nagahimo man ta sa atoang [meausures] (We should not panic. It’s better if we follow minimum health protocols, and remember that we have measures and protocols in place),” she said.
Dabawenyos who experience any symptoms are urged to immediately visit the nearest healthcare provider or contact the 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).
The city has recorded six confirmed Mpox cases including the two recorded in April. These individuals are now in stable health conditions, and are continuously monitored in the facility.
Zafra assured that all individuals identified to have close contact with the patients are being closely monitored in accordance with Memorandum No. 2024-0306 issued by the Department of Health on Mpox management. CIO
