Monkeypox can be prevented with Covid-19 protocols

MANILA – Although there have been no reported cases of monkeypox in the Philippines to date, a disease expert has suggested that Covid-19 health regulations be maintained as they may aid prevent the virus now spreading throughout Europe and Africa.

According to infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvana, wearing masks and adhering to other health protocols, such as frequent handwashing, can prevent transmission and contraction of the monkeypox virus.

The disease is less contagious than Covid-19, Salvana said.

“Bagama’t may nakikita nga taong pag-akyat ng mga kaso around the world, iyong mga ginagawa natin against Covid-19 will actually also work for monkeypox. Iyong paggamit natin ng mask dahil may droplet transmission din iyan, hugas po tayo ng kamay, and of course, always be vigilant lalo na doon sa mga taong nanggaling sa places na nakapag-report na ng monkeypox (Although we have seen an increase in cases around the world, what we are doing to prevent the spread of Covid-19 will actually work for monkeypox. Wear masks because of droplet transmission, let’s wash our hands, and of course, always be vigilant especially against those who came from places that have already reported monkeypox cases),” Salvana said at the “Laging Handa” public briefing

Salvana advised going to a doctor should there be any symptoms, particularly vesicles, rashes or blisters that appear to be filled with fluid like chickenpox.

The government, Salvana said, through the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, has conducted studies about monkeypox.

They are also looking at commercial testing kits for monkeypox that the government can purchase, once needed.

“And the last piece there is also kung makakapag-procure tayo ng mga smallpox vaccine na alam natin ay mabisa sa monkeypox (if we can also procure smallpox vaccines which we know are also effective against monkeypox),” Salvana added.

Salvana stated that there is no indication that widespread vaccination is necessary, especially because monkeypox can only be transferred if there are already symptoms, whereas Covid-19 can be transmitted asymptomatically.

“So, very important we just stick to the plan for Covid-19 and the monkeypox, madadamay na rin siya doon sa ating mga (may also be prevented by these) precautions and at the same time we already have the tests that can be used to detect monkeypox,” he said. 

On June 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) Meeting of the International Health Regulations stated that the virus is not yet classified a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Since May, around 3,040 cases have been documented in 47 countries, with the majority of the infected being gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in urban areas and are clustered in social and sexual networks, according to a report by the World Health Organization.