The Department of Health (DOH) has reiterated that the Mpox virus is not an airborne disease. According to the DOH, Mpox can only be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact. The virus can also be effectively removed by washing with water and soap.
The DOH released guidelines advising the public to maintain good hygiene, regularly disinfect items, wear additional protective clothing such as long sleeves or jackets, and avoid close contact with contaminated animals, such as monkeys.
The DOH also urged individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention at the nearest health facility.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that has recently garnered global attention due to outbreaks outside of its traditional endemic areas.
It is primarily transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and skin lesions of infected individuals or animals.
Symptoms of Mpox include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, and a distinct rash that often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
Although the disease can be serious, it is generally less contagious than other viral infections like smallpox.
The DOH emphasizes the importance of early detection, proper hygiene, and preventive measures to control its spread.