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| The WHO official urged the public to remain vigilant following the detection of the first monkeypox case in the Philippines. (Photo from Sunstar) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed its readiness to provide assistance to the Philippines in its fight against the monkeypox virus. “As we do with all disease outbreaks, WHO has been and will continue to work closely with the DOH (Department of Health) to provide technical advice to support the development and implementation of national policies, strategies, and plans,” said WHO Philippines Officer-in-Charge Dr. Graham Harrison in a statement, Manila Bulletin reported.
“The Department of Health has been proactive towards preparedness, prevention, and response to monkeypox,” he said. The WHO official urged the public to remain vigilant following the detection of the first monkeypox case in the Philippines. “We at WHO want to highlight that monkeypox can affect anyone, but everyone can help reduce its transmission,” said Harrison.“Common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that blisters and crusts. If you think you might have monkeypox, we encourage you to seek medical advice,” he added.
On Friday, July 29, the DOH reported the first case of monkeypox in the country, involving a 31-year-old Filipino national who arrived from abroad. The DOH said that this person “had prior travel to countries with documented monkeypox cases.” “The Philippines is the eight country/area in the Western Pacific Region with confirmed monkeypox cases,” the WHO said.
