20/01/2025
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Zambales
Office of the Provincial Health Officer
Date: January 20, 2025
ADVISORY
Subject: Strengthening Monkeypox Awareness, Prevention, and Preparedness in Zambales
To:
• Honorable Governor of Zambales
• All Barangay Captains, Province of Zambales
Dear Honorable Governor and Barangay Captains,
This advisory is issued following the recent confirmation of a monkeypox case in Baguio City, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of monkeypox in Zambales.
Monkeypox is a contagious viral disease transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or respiratory droplets. While no cases have been reported in Zambales, preparedness is essential to protect our communities.
Key Information on Monkeypox
1. Incubation Period:
• Typically 5 to 21 days (average: 7 to 14 days).
• Symptoms usually begin within 1 to 2 weeks after exposure.
2. Mode of Transmission:
• Direct contact: Skin-to-skin contact with rashes, scabs, or body fluids of an infected person.
• Indirect contact: Handling contaminated materials like clothing, bedding, or towels.
• Respiratory droplets: Prolonged face-to-face contact or close physical interactions.
• Close physical or sexual contact.
3. Symptoms:
• Early symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion.
• Rash progression: Rash that begins as macules (flat lesions), then progresses to papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs.
• Lesions can appear on the face, palms, soles, and other body parts.
4. Risk Groups:
• Close contacts of infected individuals.
• Healthcare workers and caregivers.
• Travelers returning from areas with active monkeypox cases.
5. Recommended Treatment:
• Supportive Care: Focus on symptom relief, hydration, and managing complications like secondary infections.
• Isolation: Patients should isolate until all scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed (approximately 2 to 4 weeks).
Preventive Measures to Implement Immediately
At the Provincial and Barangay Levels:
1. Awareness Campaigns:
• Disseminate information about monkeypox symptoms, prevention, and the importance of early medical consultation.
• Stress that monkeypox is treatable and manageable if detected early.
2. Health Facility Preparedness:
• Ensure that barangay health stations, rural health units, and hospitals are equipped to detect and manage suspected monkeypox cases.
• Train healthcare workers on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), infection prevention, and case management.
3. Surveillance and Reporting:
• Intensify surveillance of fever with rash cases, particularly among individuals with recent travel history to affected areas.
• Immediately report suspected cases to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) for proper investigation and referral.
4. Promote Hygiene Practices:
• Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Advise residents to avoid sharing personal items such as towels, utensils, and clothing.
5. Isolation of Suspected Cases:
• Any individual with suspected monkeypox symptoms should isolate and seek medical attention.
Specific Recommendations to Barangay Captains:
• Activate Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs):
• BHERTs should be trained to assist in contact tracing, community awareness campaigns, and home isolation support.
• Engage Communities:
• Hold barangay assemblies to inform residents about monkeypox prevention and encourage reporting of potential cases.
• Coordinate with the Provincial Health Office (PHO):
• Ensure timely communication for suspected cases and immediate referral for appropriate care.
For further guidance, training, or updates, please contact the Provincial Health Office (PHO) at 09613512316
Let us work together to ensure the safety and health of Zambales residents.
Sincerely,
Noel C Bueno MD
Provincial Health Officer
Zambales Provincial Health Office
