The Department of Health (DOH) has reported that a new case of mpox, formerly monkeypox, was detected in the Philippines on August 18. This is the first case detected since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. It is also the first mpox case reported in the country in 2024, bringing the total number of cases to 10.
In a statement, the DOH said the latest mpox case was confirmed through laboratory testing. The patient is a 33-year-old male Filipino with no travel history outside the Philippines. It is noted that he had close, intimate contact three weeks prior to developing symptoms.
Photo: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
“Symptoms started more than a week ago with fever, which was followed four days later by findings of a distinct rash on the face, back, nape, trunk, groin, as well as palms and soles,” DOH underscored.
The health agency didn’t disclose the exact location where the new mpox case was recorded but confirmed that it was identified in a government hospital.
“The case was seen in a government hospital, where specimens were collected from the skin lesions and tested via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. PCR test results are positive for Monkeypox viral DNA.”
Mpox Symptoms and Prevention
The DOH pointed out that the common symptom of mpox is skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last around two to four weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
It also informed the public that the disease can be transmitted to humans through close, intimate contact with someone “who is infectious, with contaminated materials like used clothes or utensils, or with infected animals.” On the other hand, it was noted that the virus can be killed with soap and water.
The DOH assured that mpox can be treated with “supportive care,” stating that patients with no underlying illnesses can isolate at home after testing positive until all scabs have healed and a new layer of skin forms, which typically takes two to four weeks.
The health agency then emphasized that it is updating its mpox guidelines in order to offer a more convenient and dignified approach and encourage individuals with potential symptoms to seek consultation and testing.
“We can avoid mpox. Mpox is transmitted through close, intimate contact, and also the materials used by people who have mpox. Keeping our hands clean with soap and water, or with alcohol-based sanitizers will help. DOH will make the testing process as convenient as possible, so that suspect cases may be identified fast and allowed to stay at home,” Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa concluded. “Our health system is working. We can handle the situation, and will keep the public well-informed.”
The last mpox case in the Philippines was detected in December 2023. WHO recently declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years.
ALSO READ: Taal Volcano Under Observation Due to Volcanic Smog, Classes Suspended in Parts of Calabarzon
