The nation's leading infectious disease specialist stated that mandating face masks to stop the transmission of mpox is not considered economically viable.
The Philippines Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) stated that mandatory mask-wearing "is not required" since the illness "does not spread through the air."
The group stated that mandating face masks in areas such as rooms, markets, offices, and airplanes is not needed.
The PSMID stated in a press release on Monday, June 2, that mandating face masks is neither economically efficient nor effective in stopping the transmission of mpox,
The statement also noted that extended skin-to-skin contact with individuals infected with the virus is the primary means of transmission, adding that mpox is not considered to spread through the air.
"This encompasses close contacts like kissing, sexual activities, and hugging with romantic partners and family members living together," the organization stated.
"Mpox can be transmitted via respiratory droplets emitted by infected persons. Additionally, transmission may happen upon contacting surfaces tainted with materials from mpox sores, like when shared items such as towels or bedding are used," the statement further explained.
Department of Health spokesperson Albert Domingo Additionally, they mentioned that the contagious disease does not spread through the air. Nevertheless, speaking or being in close proximity to an affected individual’s face can produce infectious respiratory droplets capable of causing infection.
"Hindi lang mga face masks ang pagpapalakas laban sa mpox. Huwag nilang pababaruhain ang presyo o ilagay na mataas ang demanda dahil siya nga ang Department of Health (DOH) ang nagbibigay ng tamang impormasyon tungkol dito," aniya. radio interview before.
"Kaya mo nang gumamit ng face mask, pero kapag patuloy ka ring nagkikiss at huguhan, maaari mong macontract ang mpox," dagdag ni Domingo.
He highlighted that direct skin contact is essential when discussing mpox transmission.
In the meantime, the PSMID recommended that people experiencing skin rashes seek evaluation from healthcare providers for accurate diagnosis, which may involve getting PCR tests done on the rash to determine whether it is indeed mpox.
"Given that mpox is highly transmissible, people exhibiting rashes must avoid spreading it to others by keeping their sores covered with fresh bandages, steering clear of intimate physical contact, refraining from sharing personal belongings when they have an outbreak, and seeking guidance from medical professionals for appropriate evaluation and care," the organization stated.
“It should also be noted that they must remain in their designated recovery room during their mpox recuperation period,” it stated.
There is currently no approved antiviral treatment for mpox, even though a vaccine does exist. The PSMID states that the worldwide availability of this vaccine is restricted.
Even though mpox cases have increased in the Philippines, the Department of Health stated that these figures are still lower than what was documented in 2024.
The World Health Organization mentioned that mpox is a viral disease that can lead to a painful eruption of skin lesions, swollen glands, high temperature, headaches, muscular pains, lower backache, and fatigue.