QC gov’t-owned hospitals prep isolation rooms for possible monkeypox cases

Three Quezon City government-owned hospitals have now designated isolation rooms for possible monkeypox cases after the Philippines recently recorded its first case of the said virus.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the QC government said the Quezon City General Hospital, Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, and Novaliches District Hospital have all set up isolation rooms for suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of monkeypox in preparation for its possible detection in the city.

It said the QC Health Department (QCHD) also developed a response mechanism in preventing, early detecting, managing and isolating cases, and contact tracing possible monkeypox cases.

“We have been closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) since May, when they reported an uptick of monkeypox cases in other countries. The QCHD is also providing us with weekly updates about the virus to make sure that we are ready to deal with it effectively,” QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Medical personnel from public and private hospitals and health centers also recently underwent orientation wherein they were taught the necessary information about the virus, particularly on how to prevent its transmission to an individual, household, and community.

The city’s Public Affairs and Information Services Department (PAISD) is posting artcards and information materials about monkeypox to raise public awareness.

Protocols for detection, specimen collection, sending of the specimen to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), and transporting suspected cases to referral hospitals were also established.

In June, a real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was set up by the RITM to detect possible monkeypox virus cases in the country.

The Quezon City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (QCESU) also organized a quick response team for monkeypox contact tracing response. They also ensured that personal protective equipment and other logistical needs for contact tracing are sufficient.

“Laging nakahanda ang QC sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, mula sa equipment, guidelines, hanggang sa pagbibigay ng kinakailangang kaalaman sa ating mga health worker tungkol sa virus. Gagawin natin ang lahat para hindi makapasok ang monkeypox sa lungsod at maiwasan ang pagkalat nito sa mga komunidad,” Belmonte said.

(QC is always prepared in these kinds of situations, from equipment, guidelines, to providing the necessary knowledge to our health workers about the virus. We will do everything to prevent monkeypox from entering the city and prevent its spread in the communities.)

According to a Super Radyo dzBB report of Luisito Santos, the HOPE II facility in Quezon City University will also be used as an isolation center for possible monkeypox cases.

HOPE facility head Dr. Amelita Guzon said that this two-storey facility has a 128 bed capacity. Each monkeypox patient will then have a room with a bed, air conditioning unit, and medical kit.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on July 23 declared monkeypox as a "public health emergency of international concern” —the highest alarm it can sound.

The WHO gave the assurance that it will support the DOH after the Philippines detected its first case of monkeypox. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA News