7 of 8 suspected Mpox cases negative

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health-Central Visayas said that seven out of eight individuals who were suspected with monkeypox (Mpox) in the region were found to be negative following testing at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)

DOH-7 Regional Director Jaime Bernadas said they are still waiting for the results of the remaining suspected case who allegedly showed signs and symptoms of the disease.

“Ang walo naayo na na sila tanan. Ang nakita sa test kay negative sila, except sa usa nga tua pa sa Manila ang resulta, wala pa naabot,” said Bernadas.

Bernadas also said that these eight individuals were already discharged after recovering.

Contact tracing and surveillance are still being implemented and health workers and facilities are being urged to strengthen all the infection control measures.

“Nag contact natag tracing sa atong RHU, sa atong mga health workers. Padayon ang surveillance, monitoring unya ato nasad silang gi awhag i-strengthen ang ilang infection prevention control sa ilang health facilities,” said Bernadas.

Meanwhile, in Lapu-Lapu City, Dr. Agnes Realiza, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office said they are closely monitoring two suspected cases. One has been discharged, while the other remains hospitalized pending confirmatory tests.

“Suspected man na sila kay all nga mga skin infections no nga mo-pertain nga mo-relate kay not all the vesicles are Mpox. There are other infections like chickenpox, the herpes, daghan man na sila,” said Realiza.

Mpox is self-limiting, typically resolving within 5-21 days, but complications from secondary bacterial infections can occur. DOH emphasizes the importance of vigilance and adherence to hygiene practices to prevent the spread of Mpox.

Meanwhile, the immediate relatives of suspected cases should practice isolation, though this doesn’t necessarily mean using separate facilities. Bernadas recommended minimizing contact with the infected person's belongings and maintaining distance to prevent transmission.

“Kato sang immediate relatives, katong mga suspected cases need to be isolated… Isolate does not mean in a separate facility… Bantay-bantayan nga walay contact nga ang iyang mga gamit ato ‘ning i-lain, dili sila matapdan sa maong nga virus,” added Bernadas.

In further explaining how it spreads, Bernadas said it can be transmitted through intimate contact, including sexual contact, but is not limited to this.  It spreads via skin-to-skin contact with pustules or fluids from an infected individual. It isn’t airborne, but rather spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or lesions. — (FREEMAN)