THE Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) has upgraded its capacity for the detection of Monkeypox cases, it said on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.
In a statement, the RITM said that as part of the national preparedness and response against monkeypox, they optimized their real-time PCR assay.
“The RTM technical team is currently optimizing a second PCR assay for differentiating the Monkeypox Virus clade,” it said.
“The Institute reiterates that only cases satisfying the definition of suspect Monkeypox and complying with all procedures for referral including documentary requirements shall be processed,” it added.
The RITM said the DOH is organizing a training/orientation on the clinical approach to skin lesions, as well as collection, handling, and transport of samples from skin lesions, to guide all Disease Reporting Units (DRUs) and Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (ESUs).
Monkeypox virus has so far been detected in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA) and Singapore.
According to the World Health Organization, monkeypox is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
It has an incubation of around six to 13 days but this could also range from five to 21 days.
Among the symptoms of the infection were headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, body pains and weakness. (SunStar Philippines)