In a concerning turn of events, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox (monkeypox) a public health emergency of international concern just five days ago.
This declaration has heightened global anxiety, and recent developments in the Philippines are intensifying these fears. Bulkang Taal has begun releasing smog, causing widespread class suspensions in Cavite due to the potential health risks associated with the smog, especially for children and the elderly.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, issued a stern warning regarding the Mpox outbreak. He stated, “The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying. On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”
The simultaneous occurrence of Bulkang Taal’s smog release has led to public unease, reminiscent of the sequence of events leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the smog causing health advisories to be issued, such as avoiding outdoor activities, shutting doors and windows to keep out vog, wearing N95 masks, and staying hydrated, the public’s concern is palpable.
Social media has seen a surge of reactions, pointing out that everything that’s happening is familiar. One user tweeted, “Tapos may smog ulit ‘yung Taal magtitimpla na ba ulit ako ng Dalgona coffee????? What is this 2020 inception,” referencing the popular Dalgona coffee trend during the early days of the pandemic. Another user even remarked, “I’ve seen this film before,” capturing the eerie similarity to past events.
WHO declaring mpox a global emergency,,,.,,…south luzon having awful air quality bc of Taal…..i think i’ve seen this film before pic.twitter.com/rzrww9jaTA
— Vincent (@VinQuilop) August 19, 2024
taal volcano smog, mpox, dalgona coffee, ube cheese pandesal, sushi bake, ayudapic.twitter.com/DeC7ja7vb7
— 𐚁 (@kaypatricktayo) August 19, 2024
taal emitting vog, mpox entering ph & classes on first day of the week suspended 😭 we're eating that dalgona candy again i fearpic.twitter.com/DCwk10AcBd
— ًcali (@astrouzei) August 19, 2024
simula na naman ba ng Dalgona Coffee? Zoom meetings? and balik Plantito / Plantita era? CHAR!
HUWAG NAMAN SANA!
— ᗯᗩᑎᑎᗩᗷᗴ 💖💖💖 #ExpeciallyForYou 💔 (@wannabearbie) August 19, 2024
tas pumutok nanaman yung taal volcano haha kapal ng smog sa labas parang kailan lang i think ive seen this film before and i didnt like the ending
lets just all dai https://t.co/YUwRMdcEom pic.twitter.com/6DoZSeQxqz
— z (@deeziznawtz) August 18, 2024
While some are taking to humor to cope with the situation, others are voicing serious concerns about the potential for another pandemic. “Please, not again huhu. Hopefully, we can get ahead of this disease faster than we did COVID and avoid another pandemic,” one user tweeted, reflecting the anxious sentiment that many are feeling.
“We are increasingly living a multihazard existence. Currently the hazards are volcanic smog & mpox. But it’s also habagat/typhoon season so interaction with a 3rd hazard is possible. Disaster governance mostly adopts a single-hazard view. Overhaul needed globally & locally,” another user tweeted.
Let’s hope this situation doesn’t escalate into another COVID-19 pandemic. It’s crucial that the government takes swift and effective action to address these emerging threats.
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