Bohol creates mpox task force

By Rey Anthony Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The provincial government here has created the Provincial Monkeypox (mpox) Task Force to formulate, implement, and establish control and response mechanisms to minimize the spread of the infection.

Although there have been no local cases so far, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado issued Executive Order No. 28 creating the Mpox Task Force in response to the order of Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for concerned agencies to remain in constant vigilance against the spread of the virus in the country.

“Niining higayuna, wala pa’y natala nga kumpirmadong kaso sa monkeypox diri sa Bohol. Bisan pa man niini, gikinahanglan gihapon nato nga mangandam ug mahibalo kung unsa kini nga sakit ug unsay angayang buhaton kung simbako palayo muigo kini kanato,” said Aumentado in a Facebook post.

(As of now, we have no confirmed cases of monkeypox here in Bohol. However, we should be prepared and know what to do in case it reaches us here.)

Aumentado has ordered the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to closely monitor the situation to ensure early detection and swift response if necessary.

“Wala pa kita’y kaso sa maong sakit, apan higpit natong gi-obserbahan ang sitwasyon pinaagi sa atong PHO (We do not have any cases yet, but we have ordered the PHO to closely monitor the situation),” the governor said.

He also urged Boholanos to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms of mpox.

“Kung adunay membro sa inyong pamilya nga musinati og dili kasagaran nga kahimtang sa panlawas ug adunay pagbutoy-butoy sa panit, ikonsulta dayon kamo sa atong mga health experts alang sa sayo nga detection,” he said.

(If you have family members experiencing something unusual and you see blisters, immediately bring him for consultation to our health experts for early detection.)

Aside from spearheading control and response, the task force also monitors the status of the infection, crafts ways to prevent transmission, comes up with a public information plan, advisories, and bulletins, among others.

The task force would also lead in combatting disinformation and misinformation to prevent panic as well as mobilize health authorities and emergency responders, and set up referral systems to appropriate medical facilities.

Using lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the task force will also conduct contact tracing and monitoring of infected persons.

The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas is currently finalizing the regional health protocols as the Department of Health issued Department Memorandum No. 2024-036 on the updated Interim Guidelines on the Prevention, Detection, and Management of mpox.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever.

It spreads from contact with infected persons through touch, kissing or sex; infected animals when hunting, skinning, or cooking them; or through materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles; and from pregnant persons who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby. (RAHC/PIA Bohol)

Although there are still no cases of monkeypox in Bohol, the provincial government has created a Provincial Monkeypox Task Force to formulate, implement, and establish control and response mechanisms to minimize the spread of the infection. (PIA Bohol/PIMO)