DOH updates prevention guidelines for mpox

Following the detection of new mpox cases in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) has updated the interim guidelines on the prevention, detection and management of mpox, and urged the general public to practice standard minimum precautions amid the threat posed by the viral disease.

- RHODINA VILLANUEVA

In Department Memorandum No. 20240306, the DOH stressed that people should avoid close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact such as sexual contact, kissing, hugging and cuddling with individuals who are suspect, probable or confirmed cases of mpox.

“If contact is unavoidable due to the need for care, caregivers must adhere to proper prevention and control measures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE),” the DOH noted.

It added that the public must also observe frequent and proper handwashing or use alcohol-based sanitizers.

The DOH also reminded the public to ensure that objects and surfaces suspected of being contaminated with the virus, or handled by an infectious person, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.