The Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) has announced that no confirmed cases of Mpox (monkeypox) have been recorded in the province.
Despite this, health authorities are closely monitoring two individuals exhibiting symptoms similar to Mpox.
Dr. Maria Vivian V. Espino, Officer in Charge of the PHO, stated that the test results of the first suspected individual have returned negative, while the confirmatory test for the second individual is still pending.
Both individuals under surveillance recently traveled from outside the province, prompting health officials to initiate contact tracing to identify people they may have interacted with.
Dr. Espino detailed Mpox symptoms, which resemble chickenpox, including fever, headaches, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes.
However, she emphasized a key difference—Mpox rashes tend to develop pus-filled lesions, making the virus more transmissible.
Transmission occurs through skin-to-skin contact, sexual intercourse, respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, and contaminated objects such as clothing.
Although individuals of all ages are susceptible, Dr. Espino noted that the current Mpox variant (Clade I) is non-lethal and only requires supportive treatment.
The PHO urges the public to remain vigilant and report any symptoms to their local health centers.
Authorities also advise strict adherence to hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing, mask-wearing in crowded areas, maintaining cleanliness, and disinfecting personal spaces.
The PHO reassures residents that they are prepared to respond to any potential Mpox outbreak and continue their information campaign to promote awareness and prevention.