Bacolod City Strengthens Border Control Amid Monkeypox Alert
BACOLOD CITY – To prevent the spread of monkeypox, local officials have intensified border control measures at all entry points. Mayor Albee Benitez emphasized the urgency of installing health scanners at airports and seaports to detect incoming travelers showing monkeypox symptoms. This proactive move follows confirmed monkeypox cases in nearby Iloilo City.
“We just want to make sure there is prevention in our borders. Since we have no case here, more so that we should intensify our border control,” Benitez said. The mayor is determined to protect Bacolod City by enhancing monitoring efforts.
Plans to Install Scanners at Key Entry Points
Benitez announced the plan to install a scanner at Bredco Port and consult with the provincial government and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) about acquiring one for Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental. Despite having no reported monkeypox cases locally, the city government remains vigilant.
To detect potential carriers early, the City Health Office (CHO) is tasked with strict monitoring and surveillance. Personnel will be assigned at the Bredco Port and Bacolod-Silay Airport to screen incoming passengers. Although face masks are not currently mandated, the CHO is evaluating the necessity of this precaution.
“But as of now they don’t see the need (to wear face masks),” Benitez noted. He also highlighted that children, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities are more vulnerable to the disease.
Health Officials Detail Monkeypox Transmission and Symptoms
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environmental Sanitation Division, explained that monkeypox mainly spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual and sometimes via respiratory droplets. Early symptoms resemble flu, such as fever and general malaise. The virus may also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces.
To raise public awareness, the CHO has coordinated with the Bureau of Quarantine and launched an information campaign. They are also awaiting final guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH) regarding the use of scanners at entry points but have decided not to wait to act on fever detection.
“If we know fever is one of the symptoms we can go ahead with that. We will not wait for the DOH to do this,” Benitez asserted.
Local Cases in Iloilo Prompt Vigilance
Iloilo City authorities have confirmed four monkeypox cases and identified two suspected infections. All affected individuals remain in isolation under close monitoring to curb the disease’s spread. The source of their infection is still under investigation.
Bacolod City’s decisive border control actions reflect a strong commitment to safeguard its residents from monkeypox. Authorities continue to emphasize prevention, early detection, and public education to manage this emerging health threat.
For more news and updates on monkeypox, visit Filipinokami.com.