Bong Go urges Filipinos to heed health advice vs monkeypox
WITH the confirmation of the first monkeypox case in the Philippines on Friday, July 29, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called on health authorities to intensify further their awareness, detection, disease surveillance and containment efforts.
In a statement issued on the same day, the senator also urged the Filipino public to follow minimum health protocols and comply with the health advice from the government and medical experts.
“Apela ko naman sa ating mga kababayan, sundin pa rin natin ang mga minimum health protocols, katulad ng pagsusuot ng mask, especially in enclosed spaces, at social distancing,” said Go.
“Palaging sundin ang mga patakaran ng gobyerno. Para naman po ito sa lahat. Apektado tayo ‘pag bumagsak ang ating healthcare system, babagsak din ang ekonomiya,” he added.
The Department of Health reported that a 31-year-old Filipino citizen who had been abroad and returned to the country on July 19 is the first case of monkeypox in the country.
The health department promptly placed the individual under quarantine. The patient is now being strictly monitored and isolated at home.
Malacañang, in a press briefing on Friday, said that the DOH is in control of the situation despite the detection of monkeypox.
DOH also said that discussions with the United States government are ongoing to secure vaccines against monkeypox
According to the World Health Organization, the monkeypox virus is spread through bodily fluids, and respiratory droplets. Intimate skin-to-skin contact, including sexual transmission, is the primary transmission, which is why health officials stress the need of washing one’s hands often and avoiding contact with those who may be infected.
Fever, severe headache, muscular pains, back ache, enlarged lymph nodes, and rashes or lesions on the skin are some of the symptoms of monkeypox.
Smallpox immunization may contribute in halting the spread of the monkeypox virus, according to the WHO.
Meanwhile, Go, who serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, said he intends to file a Senate resolution and ask DOH and other relevant authorities to identify specific strategies and measures to ensure the capability of the country’s healthcare system.
“We have learned a lot from the COVID-19 pandemic and we hope that, guided by good science, we know better how to handle monkeypox this time,” said Go.
He ended his statement by urging Filipinos to unite and continue working together to overcome whatever challenges the country may encounter in the future.
“Nakita naman natin sa kasalukuyang pandemya kung paano nakakatulong nang malaki ang ating kooperasyon at pagkakaisa, at inaasahan ko na ipagpapatuloy natin ito upang harapin ang panibagong hamon naman sa ating katatagan bilang mga Pilipino,” Go concluded.