Press Release | 19 August 2024

Following heightened surveillance due to the recent declaration by the World Health Organization of mpox (formerly monkeypox) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the DOH has detected one new case of mpox in the Philippines. Prior to this, the last case was found in December 2023. All previous cases were isolated, cared for, and have since recovered.

The 10th laboratory-confirmed mpox case was reported to the DOH on August 18, 2024. The case is a 33-year-old male Filipino national with no travel history outside the Philippines but with close, intimate contact three weeks before symptom onset. 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. 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.

Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2–4 weeks. The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Anyone can get mpox. Mpox 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. Soap and water can kill the virus. When washing contaminated materials, use gloves.

Laboratory confirmation of mpox is done by testing skin lesion material by PCR. Dermatologists and other physicians who are entertaining a high index of suspicion are reminded to record the name and contact information of their patients and guide them to the nearest major hospital. There, complete case data and specimens for confirmation shall be collected. The list of hospitals includes the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and the UP-Philippine General Hospital, among others.

Mpox is treated with supportive care. Patients with no other illnesses may stay at home after testing, until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms, typically after 2-4 weeks. The DOH is updating its mpox guidelines to allow for this convenient and dignified approach so that potential cases may be encouraged 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,” said Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. “Our health system is working. We can handle the situation, and will keep the public well-informed,” assured the Health Chief.