DOH updates prevention guidelines for mpox

MANILA, Philippines — Following the detection of new mpox cases in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) has updated the interim guidelines on the prevention, detection and management of mpox, and urged the general public to practice standard minimum precautions amid the threat posed by the viral disease.

In Department Memorandum No. 2024-0306, the DOH stressed that people should avoid close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact such as sexual contact, kissing, hugging and cuddling with individuals who are suspect, probable or confirmed cases of mpox.

“If contact is unavoidable due to the need for care, caregivers must adhere to proper prevention and control measures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE),” the DOH noted.

It added that the public must also observe frequent and proper handwashing or use alcohol-based sanitizers.

The DOH also reminded the public to ensure that objects and surfaces suspected of being contaminated with the virus, or handled by an infectious person, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

The department also cautioned the public to avoid contact with animals, particularly mammals, that may carry the virus, including sick or deceased animals found in areas where mpox is present.

For travelers going in and out of the country, the DOH said they must be aware of the risk and prevalence of mpox transmission in their respective destination countries.

They are expected to adhere to health protocols issued by health authorities, conveyance operators and airport and seaport terminal management, both from the Philippines and the destination country.

Travelers are also expected to provide honest and accurate responses to the passengers’ health declaration questionnaires required upon arrival and departure at airports and seaports.

If not feeling well or experiencing any signs and symptoms of mpox, they are advised to approach health personnel on-duty.

On the other hand, all health care personnel in public and private facilities and medical transport vehicles are required to adhere to the Infection Prevention Control measures of the facility. They are required to wear appropriate PPEs when caring for suspect, probable and confirmed cases of mpox.

The guidelines include “having a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator mask or equivalent; disposable, long-sleeved, fluid-resistant level 2 gowns; eye protection such as goggles or face shields that cover the front and sides of the face; single-use gloves to be disposed of after every patient interaction and dedicated footwear that can be decontaminated.”

In Batangas, a first case of the mpox virus has been recorded in Balayan town on Aug. 27, according to the local chief executive.

In a Facebook announcement of Balayan Mayor Emmanuel Salvador Fronda II, he confirmed that a 12-year-old boy tested positive with CLIDE 2 variant of Mpox virus.

Fronda said the boy had an onset of symptoms last Aug. 10 and went to the rural health office for check-up.

The boy developed rashes on his face, pubic area, feet, legs and arms and was experiencing cough, fever and body pains.

The Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit said the boy had no travel history.

Fronda announced that there was no lockdown implemented in Balayan. The boy’s family, however, was advised to quarantine themselves for at least 21 days to prevent the spread of the virus. –  Rudy Santos, Arnell Ozaeta