Bohol Takes Preemptive Action Against Monkeypox
CEBU CITY – Bohol officials are acting swiftly to prevent the spread of monkeypox in the province. Although there are currently no confirmed monkeypox cases in Bohol, Governor Aris Aumentado issued Executive Order No. 28 to establish a specialized task force. This move aims to strengthen the province’s preparedness and response efforts.
The creation of the Bohol Provincial Monkeypox Task Force comes amid growing concern after a confirmed monkeypox case was reported in Talisay City, Cebu. The governor led a meeting on May 29 with key local officials and agencies to discuss immediate steps to address this health threat.
“We have not recorded any monkeypox case yet in the province but we are closely monitoring the situation through our Provincial Health Office (PHO),” the governor stated. The task force includes provincial administrators, legal officers, health officials, and disaster risk management leaders.
Task Force Roles and Community Measures
The task force is composed of Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Piollo, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay, PHO Officer-in-Charge Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, PDRRMO head Anthony Damalerio, and PGSO head Engr. Eustaquio Caliao. Together, they are spearheading efforts to keep the virus at bay.
During the meeting, the PHO instructed all rural health units, hospitals, and local health centers to intensify community information campaigns. These campaigns focus on early detection, isolation of suspected cases, and prompt reporting of symptoms related to monkeypox.
To reduce the risk of transmission, Governor Aumentado urged residents to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary gatherings. “Let us continue to maintain the cleanliness of our environment and our health,” he said. “If you have a family member experiencing abnormal health conditions and itchy skin or rashes, consult our health experts for early detection.”
Protecting the Community and Resources
The provincial government is also coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to prevent price manipulation or profiteering, particularly concerning the supply of medical essentials such as masks and sanitizers. This ensures that residents have access to necessary protective equipment without undue financial burden.
Local experts emphasize the importance of community cooperation in preventing monkeypox from spreading. They recommend that people remain informed, practice good hygiene, and report any unusual symptoms promptly to health authorities.
By taking these proactive measures, Bohol aims to safeguard its residents and prevent the health risks linked to monkeypox from escalating within the province.
For more news and updates on monkeypox prevention, visit Filipinokami.com.