By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY – A top official from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) confirmed on Wednesday that seven out of the 11 patients found infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) also subsequently tested positive for mpox (formerly monkeypox) in Davao Region.
In a press briefing here, SPMC chief Dr. Ricardo Audan bared the majority of these co-infected cases were male. Since April 10 of this year, SPMC has recorded a total of 14 mpox cases.
“Seven mpox cases were admitted [at SPMC]. The other seven were already discharged,” Dr. Audan added.
He clarified wearing face masks is not mandatory for mpox prevention, as the virus is not airborne.
However, he noted that SPMC encourages the public to wear masks in crowded places or during events as an additional precaution.
“It’s not mandatory, there is nothing to lockdown, and there is nothing to worry,” he reiterated, aiming to allay public fears.
Should mpox cases escalate, Dr. Audan assured the public that SPMC is fully prepared in terms of both personnel and medicine.
“We have a designated room for mpox patients, which we call the isolated room with negative pressure. We have a capacity of nine beds specifically for mpox patients,” he added.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, typically presents with a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash can progress from flat spots to fluid-filled blisters, which then scab over. (PNA)
