Davao City — The City Government of Davao, through the City Health Office (CHO), assured the public that response measures and protocols for monkeypox (Mpox) are firmly in place amid growing concerns circulating online.
CHO officials emphasized that Davao City is not under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) or any lockdown due to the disease. The public is urged to verify information before sharing it online to prevent misinformation and undue panic.
Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, the CHO’s Medical Coordinator for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, reiterated in an interview with the Madayaw Program on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) that the city is actively enforcing health protocols designed to control the spread of Mpox.
“We should not panic. It’s better if we follow minimum health protocols. We still have options and our measures are in place,” Zafra said.
Monkeypox is a viral infectious disease transmitted primarily through close skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms include painful rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headaches, muscle and back pain, and low energy. It is also considered a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Zafra advised Dabawenyos to avoid contact with sick or possibly infected animals, especially mammals, as they may carry the virus. Symptoms of Mpox in animals can include rash, fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
To prevent further spread, the CHO urges residents to observe the following:
- Practice proper two-minute handwashing
- Use alcohol-based sanitizers
- Regularly disinfect surfaces
- Avoid close, intimate contact with suspected cases
- Wear face masks, especially in crowded areas
- Seek early medical consultation when symptoms appear
As of latest reports, Davao City has recorded six confirmed Mpox cases, including two from April. All patients are in stable condition and remain under monitoring in appropriate healthcare facilities. Close contacts of the confirmed cases are also being closely monitored in line with Department of Health (DOH) Memorandum No. 2024-0306 on Mpox management.
For medical concerns or Mpox-related symptoms, residents are advised to contact:
- CHO-City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU): 0949 501 1457
- CHO Operations Center (OPCEN): 0945 813 6065 / 0927 604 5797 / 0919 071 1111
- Bureau of Quarantine XI: 228-6701 / 0917 153 2046
- Bureau of Quarantine – Airport Office: 0917 150 3122
- Office of Civil Defense XI: 0917 178 9711
- SPMC Patient Navigation and Referral Unit (PNRU): 227-2731 loc. 1120 / 0917 815 2390 / 0915 541 3040 (via Viber)
Health authorities encourage Dabawenyos to stay calm but vigilant, continue practicing health measures, and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.