• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday ruled out closing the borders of Negros Occidental, amid confirmed emerging diseases in the islands of Panay and Siquijor, which already logged two fatalities.
“We are not experiencing any cases of mpox, glanders, or melioidosis in Negros Island,” according to Lacson.
However, the Negros Oriental provincial government has created an mpox task force to institutionalize measures to prevent and control the spread of the virus in the province, based on an executive order issued by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria.
The Department of Health reported that two Siquijor residents died after being inflicted with melioidosis, a bacterial infection that infects humans and animals, and is often spread through contact with contaminated soil, air, or water, citing a study of the US Center for Disease Control.
Stressing that the two cases were tested twice, Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Maestral revealed that the genomic sequencing at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine showed that the two were hit with melioidosis, and not glanders disease.
Four other Siquijor residents were also reported to have been contracted by a similar disease.
Lacson disclosed that the persons infected with melioidosis in Siquijor were already identified and treated. Those in Panay who have been infected by mpox have been also accorded treatment.
The good news is, he added, it has not reached Negros Island yet.
The type of mpox that is currently emerging in the Philippines is Clade 2, which is transmitted through skin to skin contact and sexual intercourse, according to DOH.
Maestral disclosed that there is already a vaccine being offered in the Philippines, but the DOH still needs to evaluate it.
The DOH assured the public that it is on top of the situation to prevent the spread of bacterial diseases in the Negros Island Region, which is composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental and Oriental, as well as the island province of Siquijor.
Lacson advised those who are experiencing rashes to have it checked immediately, not take chances, and wear face masks in crowded places.
On the other hand, the Department of Agriculture reminded livestock workers, especially those exposed to muddy or flooded environments, to wear protective clothing such as boots and gloves to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated sources.
It also urged animal raisers and handlers to enhance farm biosecurity measures and adhere to strict sanitary protocols to prevent the spread of melioidosis and other animal-borne diseases.
The Negros Oriental provincial government, in an issued advisory, said it continues to monitor the situation closely, and is implementing measures to prevent the further spread of the disease.
It also called on residents to report any suspected symptoms or animal deaths to local health offices for proper investigation and treatment.*
