(UPDATE) QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday urged her constituents to take preventive measures against mpox (monkeypox) after health officials reported two new cases.
Citing reports from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (CESD), Belmonte said that both the second (29-year-old male) and the third (36, male) mpox cases have been placed under home isolation, receiving needed medical attention.
“Let’s make hand-washing a regular habit and stay away from those who show symptoms of the disease,” Belmonte said in a statement.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. Photo By Ismael De Juan
“Mpox is a serious matter, and its effects could get worse with a poor immune system. So let us take preventive measures,” she added.
Belmonte also urged those exhibiting symptoms to go to their nearest health centers or hospitals for immediate and proper check-up, and treatment if found positive.
The 29-year-old second mpox case started showing mouth lesion on August 21 and self-reported in an institution the next day. He was tested on August 28 and his positive result was known on August 30.
Meanwhile, the third case (36-year-old) had fever on August 26 and rashes on August 27.
His specimen was brought to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and the positive result was released on September 5.
The CESD is closely monitoring the individuals who have been exposed to the patients, its chief, Dr. Rolly Cruz, said.
Two weeks ago, the city government reported the first case, a 37-year-old man, who has been undergoing treatment and home quarantine.
Through an executive order, the local government established the QC Task Force to streamline and strengthen the city’s response to mpox, Belmonte said.
Headed by the mayor, the task force is mandated to oversee and monitor the status of mpox cases in the city and prepare an emergency or epidemic plan, the CESD head said.
Be the first to comment