The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) is coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) and government hospitals to establish a response mechanism during an occurrence of monkeypox cases.

Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, said on Tuesday the province would adopt the memorandum of the Department of Health (DOH) on monkeypox as cases have increased to four this week.

“We will reiterate it to the LGUs. We will also establish an advisory on how to isolate cases in level of the LGUs,” he told reporters.

The PHO is also working with the Hospital Operations Department in identifying hospitals where cases can be isolated, Tumimbang said.

He added that the province’s monkeypox response would also be discussed during the meeting of the PHO with the city and municipal health officers on August 25.

“It’s better that Negros Occidental is prepared,” Tumimbang said.

Earlier, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson convened the Provincial Infectious Disease Action and Control Council to discuss the response of the province to monkeypox, which is considered an emerging disease.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government had also urged LGUs to undertake proactive measures to help prevent monkeypox transmission and spread in their respective areas of jurisdictions.

The monkeypox virus is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, and respiratory droplets, according to the World Health Organization.

With primary transmission through skin-to-skin and intimate contact, health authorities emphasize the importance of hand washing and avoiding contact with suspected cases. (PNA)