DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said Tuesday, August 2, 2022, that it is not necessary to impose stricter border control in the country due to the monkeypox virus.Vergeire reiterated the declaration of the World Health Organization (WHO) that the threat of the virus is low to moderate risk, which does not necessitate restricting border controls.“Closing our borders, when in fact we can only confirm this virus pag nakita mo na ang lesion, kapag nagpatest na, is irrational at this point,” she said in a press briefing.The Philippines has so far one confirmed case of monkeypox. The patient has already been tagged as recovered.Vergeire assured that the country is ready to manage monkeypox cases in the country, as well as to do surveillance for its transmission.“We have now established and made our laboratories capable to detect the monkeypox virus. We have given out instructions and mobilizer hospitals if and when magkakaroon tayo ng mas marami sa isa na kaso ng monkeypox,” she said.As part of the surveillance effort, Vergeire urged the public to be vigilant and have themselves informed about the symptoms of the virus.According to WHO, the symptoms of monkeypox infection are rashes with blisters on face, hands, feet, body, eyes, mouth or genetals; fever; swollen lymph nodes; headaches; muscles and back aches; and low energy.Vergeire said a patient with monkeypox should be isolated either in hospital or at home.“Sa bawat tao na may monkeypox case, criteria is the stability and the health status of the patient. Kung ang isang pasyente ay unstable, kailangan i-admit sa hospital. If stable at hindi naman kailangan ng caregiving at may magbabantay, pwede naman sila sa bahay,” she said.Vergeire said those isolating at home should have his or her own bathroom as they cannot interact with anyone within 21 days.The incubation period of monkeypox is five to 21 days.“Kung lahat tayo mag-iingat, kung lahat tayo alam kung saan makukuha ang sakit na ito and therefore we can do our preventive measures, mapipigilan natin kumalat ang sakit na ito sa ating bansa,” said Vergeire.Here are some tips to prevent contracting the monkeypox virus, according to WHO:* Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a monkeypox-like rash* Avoid contact with objects and materials used by a person infected with monkeypox* Washing hands frequently with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, touching face, or going to the bathroomVergeire said the transmission of monkeypox is through direct close contact, unlike the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), which may be through droplets.She said they are already coordinating with their counterparts in the Philippines and abroad in order for the country to access monkeypox vaccines. (SunStar Philippines)