Philippines: Total mpox cases in BARMM top 50
In a follow-up on the mpox situation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), health officials report a total of 51 mpox cases as of June 10—8 confirmed, 7 probable and 36 suspect cases.
Eight patients have already recovered, while other patients are still recovering. No fatalities have been recorded.
Confirmed mpox cases have been reported in Maguindanao del Norte (3), Maguindanao del Sur (3) and Cotabato City (2).
Last week, The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) distributed sacks of rice, hygiene kits, and vitamins to support the families of MPox patients across the region.
To assist those affected by the spreading virus, especially this Eid, the MOH-BARMM, led by Health Minister Kadil "Jojo" M. Sinolinding, Jr., MD, DPBO, takes immediate action by handing out two sacks of rice (25 kilograms each), hygiene kits, and vitamins. The hygiene kits consist of the following: two (2) 200kg of toothpaste, six (6) toothbrushes, two (2) bath towels, three (3) face towels, shampoo, a 500 ml bottle of alcohol, two (2) laundry bar soaps, six (6) pieces of body soap, two (2) sanitary pads, a double malong, a pail, three (3) deodorants, cotton buds, wet wipes, two (2) rolls of tissue, slippers, insect repellent lotion, a dipper, disposable underwear, chamber pots, a hair comb, and three (3) laundry soap powders. While the vitamins given were: one (1) box of Immuno pro (100 tablets), one (1) box of multivitamins (100 tablets), and three (3) bottles of multivitamin syrups.
The MOH MPox task force mobilized a team to deliver much-needed essential aid to the affected families, even during the holiday season. The assistance package was handed over to the doorsteps all over the region to help the families during this challenging time.
The MOH-BARMM is committed to assisting those who need it, especially in these challenging times, and ensuring no one is left behind.
Also, to further guarantee the expertise of our healthcare workers regarding MPox, the ministry conducted online training on specimen collection, packaging, transport, and referral for BARMM. This training has 228 attendees from the regional office and the region's Rural Health Unit (RHU).
Health officials advise to follow these preventive measures:
1. Avoid intimate contact to persons with flu like symptoms
2. Regular hand washing and maintain personal hygiene
3. Avoid sharing personal belongings like clothes and towels
4. Seek early consultation when experiencing symptoms like fever, joint pains, skin rashes, and lesions, and
5. Voluntary isolation with immediate notification of your local health authorities in manifesting Mpox signs and symptoms.