DILG orders LGUs to undertake measures vs. monkeypox

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed local government units (LGU) to enforce measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox in the country.

“With the first confirmed case of monkeypox in the country, the DILG urged LGUs to undertake proactive measures to assist in the prevention of its transmission and spread in their respective areas of jurisdictions,” the department said in a statement Friday.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said LGUs should be prepared for any eventualities even if health authorities are already monitoring inbound and outbound travelers for possible monkeypox cases.

“As the primary front liners in your areas, it behooves upon our LGUs to initiate precautionary measures and spread awareness to your constituents about monkeypox and what they need to do about it,” he said.

Abalos advised LGUs to prepare their health offices and response teams to implement the guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH) on the surveillance, screening, management, and infection control of monkeypox.

LGUs should closely monitor travelers from countries with monkeypox cases who are experiencing signs and symptoms, he said.

Local authorities should also check with private healthcare facilities to ensure that suspected and confirmed monkeypox cases are reported to the DOH within 24 hours, Abalos added.

Abalos also encouraged the public to strictly adhere to minimum public health standards set by the DOH, conduct disinfection measures, practice good hand and respiratory hygiene, and minimize contact with sick persons.

On July 29, the DOH reported the first case of monkeypox in the country who arrived from abroad on July 19.

Despite this, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on August 1 said there is no need to close the country's borders. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News