The World Health Organization (WHO) has lifted the global health emergency for monkeypox, a viral disease that causes fever and rash, due to a sharp decrease in the number of cases worldwide.
The Department of Health (DOH) welcomed this announcement, stating that it signifies that the world is on its road to recovery and that there is a global opportunity to effectively respond to future pandemics.
Despite this positive development, the DOH also emphasized that monkeypox remains a threat, particularly in Africa where it has been an endemic illness for decades.
PH response to monkeypox
The DOH has intensified its surveillance systems and immediately employed necessary containment measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
"It may also be noted that the Philippines did not declare its own PHE [public health emergency] on the said disease," said the department.
There have been four cases of monkeypox in the Philippines so far, all of whom have recovered.
The DOH reminded the public to stay alert for a possible resurgence of monkeypox and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, lymphadenopathy (kulani), and rashes occur.
Layers of protection
The DOH reiterated the importance of the public's layers of protection, such as wearing masks, isolating when feeling symptoms, and frequent handwashing, to aid in preventing disease transmission.
They also guaranteed the public that the DOH will remain vigilant in containing the Monkeypox virus in the country.
Not yet over
The WHO's announcement came just a week after declaring the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern.
However, as with COVID-19, this does not mean that the work is over. The threat of resurgent waves remains for both viruses, and both continue to circulate and kill.
