Theпол-local Health Department in the Philippines is Avoiding a Major lockdown, According to False Information

There is no lockdown due to mpox anywhere in the Philippines, a statement from the Department of Health (DOH) was submitted, as it spreads misinformation.

The reporter on Rappler stated that several Facebook posts circulating on the Philippines’ social platforms claimed a nationwide lockdown would be implemented to prevent mpox. Specifically, one of the posts, posted by the DOH, stated, " Walang lockdown kahit saanman sa Pilipinas. Fake news iyan." This highlighted the spread of fake news, which is a key point.

The DOH clarified the statement, claiming that there is no need for a national lockdown because mpox is not a disease that spreads through droplets. They emphasized that it is not the Supplemental inadvertently brought with hand, but an infectious disease. This emphasized their cautious approach to spreading information, especially in high-risk areas.

The DOH encouraged the public to disregard any misinformation on Facebook and to follow their official social media handles for accurate and up-to-date information. They advised staying away from fake or misleading posts, as they can lead to further confusion.

To combat spreading fake news, the DOH advised individuals to avoid clicking links or unread posts sharing false information or unverified content. Their avoidance of misleading posts, even if they originated from the DOH, align with this stance.

Specifically, the Philippines experienced a surge of mpox cases in Mindanao, particularly in areas like the Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro, and Zamboanga Peninsula. One young female case reported was a three-year-old girl from Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, who narrowly survived the infection.

The total number of mpox cases reported in the country for 2024 was five, with no confirmed fatalities. This is entirely due to mpox not originating from anywhere and primarily being passed through direct contact or contaminated materials.

Finally, the DOH advocates for the general public to stay informed and combat disinformation as they process the Flu Trends of the Philippines. They also mentioned that Rappler and their fact-checking program can provide more in-depth analysis and resources for better understanding of the situation.

To ensure public awareness and accuracy, it is crucial for individuals and communities to join Rappler, the organization facilitating this fact check, in supporting this effort to fight against misinformation and the spread of fake news. They can reach Rappler at [email protected].