Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria on Monday created the Negros Oriental Monkey Pox Task Force through an Executive Order to prevent the entry and spread of the viral infection in the Province, following reports of suspected cases in nearby Cebu and Negros Occidental.
The task force is composed of key officials, including the Governor, Vice Governor, provincial directors of government and other relevant agencies, to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response, a post on the Province’s Facebook page said.
Its functions include monitoring, education campaigns, health protocols, and resource allocation to mitigate the impact of the virus.
Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Liland Estacion told the media in an interview that so far, no monkey pox cases have been reported in Negros Oriental, even as she called on health workers and local government units to step up information drives.
“We are undertaking information drives for our constituents through the barangay health workers and health centers to educate them on mpox,” Estacion said.
She also stressed prevention, such as avoiding skin contacts and isolating patients suspected of having the disease.
Estacion assured the public that the Province would be ready if monkey pox penetrates its shores, even though “this is not alarming” and can be treated.
She advised seeking immediate help when symptoms appear, like rashes and fever, and going on isolation.
Unlike chicken pox where rashes are found in many parts of the body, monkey pox rashes appear on the extremities and palms, she explained. (Judy F. Partlow)
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Photo Caption: Pastors attending the Province-wide Assembly of Pastors pray over Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria as they hold a forum at the Negros Oriental Convention Center to discuss strategies for strengthening moral values within the community. (PIO photo)
