By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) has strengthened its efforts to curb the spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox) by intensifying contact tracing and monitoring activities throughout the city.
In a statement Thursday, Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, CHO program manager for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, bared that Davao City currently has seven confirmed mpox cases, four of which have since recovered.
Out of the 49 close contacts identified, Zafra reported that 35 have completed the mandated 21-day monitoring period without showing any signs or symptoms of mpox, while the remaining 14 individuals remain under observation.
As part of its comprehensive prevention strategy, Zafra said the CHO has been rigorously enforcing minimum health protocols.
“These essential measures include proper handwashing, consistent use of sanitizers, thorough disinfecting of surfaces, and strictly avoiding close interactions with suspected cases,” she said.
Zafra urged individuals suspected of having mpox to isolate immediately and seek prompt medical care by notifying local health authorities.
Mpox typically presents with a characteristic rash, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash can evolve from flat spots to fluid-filled blisters, which eventually scab over. (PNA)
