DOH on WHO ending public health emergency on mpox: It's still important to stay alert

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday cautioned the public about being complacent when it comes to monkeypox as it recognized the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of an end to the global health emergency. 

“It is still important to stay alert of its possible resurgence. If you have a travel history to countries with monkeypox, and then have symptoms like fever, lymphadenopathy or ‘kulani,’ and rashes, seek immediate medical attention," said the DOH.

"The department also reminds the public that our layers of protection – such as wearing masks, isolating when feeling symptoms, and frequent handwashing – can aid in preventing disease transmission,” it added.

The DOH said there were four cases of monkeypox reported in the country and that all of them recovered.

The Health Department described the current global monkeypox situation as "moving towards recovery."

“The DOH recognizes the proclamation of the WHO regarding the lifting of the public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on monkeypox. This signifies that the world is on its road to recovery, providing a global opportunity to effectively respond to future pandemics as well,” the DOH said in a statement.

The WHO declared mpox, then called monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022 and backed its stand in November and February.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the end of the emergency status for the disease based on the recommendation of the organization's emergency committee, which met on Wednesday.

The move signals that the crisis due to mpox, which spreads through direct contact with body fluids and causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions, has come under control.

Based on the WHO’s latest report, more than 87,000 mpox cases have been confirmed globally from the beginning of 2022 through May 8 this year, according to the WHO's latest report. —Richa Noriega/ VAL, GMA Integrated News