DOH-12 issues alert for 2 possible mpox cases

Health authorities in the Soccsksargen Region have issued a public alert regarding two possible cases of monkeypox (mpox) involving individuals showing symptoms such as skin rashes, lesions, and recurring fever.

Dr. Dyan Zubelle Parayao, chief of DOH-12's Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), confirmed that surveillance units are monitoring close contacts who have been identified and placed under quarantine to prevent further spread.

DOH-12 has collected specimen samples from the suspected carriers for laboratory tests at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and is awaiting confirmation of mpox infection.

Parayao advised health front-liners to closely monitor suspected cases and emphasized preventive measures such as physical distancing, regular handwashing, and wearing face masks in crowded places.

The global mpox situation has been declared a 'public health emergency of international concern,' with most cases originating from African countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo.