Even though no suspected cases have been recorded yet, Davao City’s Covid-19 Cluster Clinics (CCCs) have been readied to handle monkeypox cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) described monkeypox as an infection caused by a virus that is in the same family as the smallpox virus, but far less severe than smallpox and has a similar illness that involves flu-like symptoms and a rash accompanied by lesions.
“In terms of emerging and reemerging diseases this (monkeypox virus) would be part and our Covid Cluster Clinic will also be handling this one. If ever magkaroon ta ani our CCC will be handling this case. Fortunately, wala pa tay natala na case diri,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.
The WHO also reported that initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headaches, muscle ache, swelling, and back pain. Rashes and lesions emerge on the face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth, or genitals within one to five days turn into raised bumps and then blisters.
It also reported that it can be detected in men who have sex with men and those who have had close physical contact with someone with monkeypox.
“Kaning monkeypox base sa discussion with the Department of Health it can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. Mura pud ug Covid. Pagbahing, pag ma-expose ka sa isa ka person na naay monkeypox. It can be transmitted sa lesions or sa mga open wounds and also through physical contact through sexual transmission. If you have sex with somebody with monkeypox makuha pud nimo siya didto. Ang incubation period niya is five to 21 days. Mura siya ug chicken pox pero larger ang iyang samad,” she said.
WHO reported that cases of monkeypox in non-endemic countries were reported between May 13 to 21, 2022: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
“The good thing about this after two to three weeks naa siya’y recovery. But to prevent the severity, just like Covid-19, is through a vaccine,” Schlosser said.
The CCCs function as a one-stop shop for contact tracing and consultations for those who are manifesting Covid-19 symptoms. It is also where the swabbing, quarantine, and reintegration of recovered individuals are facilitated. The city government of Davao will open more Covid-19 Cluster Clinics at the Talomo River and in Ilang, Tibungco.