MANILA – A health official on Monday stated that the first case of monkeypox in the country is currently isolated at home to recover.
Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a radio interview that the 31-year-old patient, who arrived from overseas on July 19, has no more symptoms.
“Pinapagaling na lang ang kanyang rashes sa katawan (Just waiting for the rashes on the body to heal),” she said.
She added that the 21-day isolation [period] should be completed and all the symptoms must be resolved before the patient could be allowed to go out again.
The DOH has identified 10 contacts of the patient who are now being monitored daily.
According to health experts, monkeypox is contagious as soon as the symptoms begin.
The World Health Organization earlier stated that the monkeypox virus is spread among humans by close contact through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated items like beddings. Its symptoms include fever, headache, muscle weakness, and rashes.
There is a real time – polymerase chain reaction test for monkeypox.
“We have already mobilized our surveillance teams as early as May at our airports and docks. We are confident na sana lahat ng makapasok na kaso sa ating bansa ay ma-detect (that all cases to enter the country will be detected),” Vergeire said.
Monkeypox vaccine could be administered to individuals who have been exposed to cases or have had pre-exposure to cases, but only to members of vulnerable sectors.
It is manufactured in the United States of America and is currently in limited supply.
“Exploring tayo kung saan tayo pwede makakuha, makabili o ‘di kaya ay mai-donate sa atin sa lalong madaling panahon (We’re exploring where we can get or buy, or if we can receive a donation as soon as possible),” she said.
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