1. DOH 7 monkeypox case investigation
2. Monkeypox case probe in DOH 7.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas is currently looking into a suspected case of monkeypox in the region following the recent death of a 27-year-old male resident from Negros Oriental.
The possible monkeypox case came to light on May 29, 2024, with the patient tragically passing away on June 2. Doctor Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, the regional epidemiologist for the Department of Health Region 7, shared this information during a press conference held on Friday, June 7.
Monkeypox, previously known as mpox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It manifests symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. The typical signs of mpox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting from two to four weeks, along with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
The virus can spread to humans through direct contact with an infected individual, contaminated materials, or infected animals. The deceased patient, a resident of Barangay Masulog in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, initially experienced stomach pain before developing skin rashes that prompted him to seek medical attention.
While the patient’s rashes resembled those of chickenpox, medical experts cannot rule out a full-blown varicella infection. Only dermatologists can accurately differentiate between the two conditions, as both present similar rashes. The confirmation of the diagnosis can only come from the results of a swab sample.
Concerns and Precautions
Cañal expressed concerns regarding the decision to cordon off the deceased patient’s residence, emphasizing that monkeypox is primarily transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual. She highlighted that the main mode of human-to-human transmission is through sexual contact, particularly among men.
It is important to note that monkeypox causes lymph node swelling, which is not a characteristic of chickenpox. When diagnosing chickenpox, healthcare professionals should consider that monkeypox lesions not only contain fluid but also pus.
Despite the severity of the disease, monkeypox is treatable and curable, especially when diagnosed at an early stage. Cañal referenced the successful treatment of the country’s first confirmed monkeypox case, which occurred in Metro Manila on July 28, 2022. The patient, a 31-year-old Filipino who had recently returned from abroad, received prompt medical attention and recovered.
The DOH is currently conducting confirmatory tests to determine if the recent death in Negros Oriental was indeed caused by monkeypox. Should the test results confirm the diagnosis, the local government has already implemented necessary measures, including contact tracing and community education to prevent further spread of the virus.
As the investigation continues, the authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to proper hygiene practices to minimise the risk of contracting infectious diseases. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this developing situation.
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DOH probes potential monkeypox case
DOH 7 probes potential monkeypox case.
