Amid efforts to protect the country from mpox, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged local leaders to lead information drives on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illnesses in their communities.
In his speech at the Local Governance Summit 2024 in Pasay City on Friday, Marcos emphasized that local chief executives should work harder “to utilize environmentally sound methods and waste minimization measures to protect public health and, of course, our environment.”
“So, I urge you all to lead aggressive information dissemination campaign to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases, such as a campaign to remind our people, especially children, against swimming in flood waters and to practice [proper] personal hygiene to mitigate the spread of leptospirosis, mpox, and any other illnesses,” Marcos said.
The President also mentioned the KALINISAN Program led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which reflects efforts in improving waste disposal and management to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment for the public.
During a recent meeting with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa regarding mpox (formerly monkeypox), Marcos directed concerned agencies to continue monitoring the areas and individuals who are considered to be mostly vulnerable to the virus.
In a press conference Wednesday, Mayor Joy Belmonte said the person who recently tested positive for mpox virus went to a derma clinic and an illegal spa in Quezon City where he had close contacts.
The DOH is currently drafting guidelines or health protocols for businesses that have close contact with customers including parlors, barbershops, and spas.
So far, the Philippines has logged 10 confirmed mpox cases.
Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks. The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Anyone can get mpox, and the virus can be transmitted to humans through close and intimate contact with someone infectious, through contaminated materials like used clothes or utensils, or infected animals.
The Health Department has advised the use of soap and water to kill the virus and to use gloves when washing contaminated materials. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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