Press Release | 28 August 2024

Increased awareness about mpox allows the Philippine health system to be fast, aligned with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). DOH surveillance systems report two more confirmed mpox cases – one in Metro Manila, and another in the CaLaBaRzon region. Both have the milder MPXV clade II. Initial investigation is consistent with earlier findings of local transmission of clade II. Details are being verified as to how close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact may have taken place. The total case count is now 14 since July 2022. Nine cases have long recovered since 2023. Five are active cases waiting for symptoms to resolve.

Mpox case 13 is a 26 year old female from NCR whose symptoms started August 20, 2024. She noticed rashes on her face and back accompanied by fever. One day later, she consulted at an outpatient clinic, which advised her to undergo home isolation. On August 23, she followed-up by phone call, describing additional rashes in her pubic area, arms, and trunk. She also developed sore throat and swollen neck lymph nodes. Exact circumstances of sample collection and the mechanism of close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact are still being determined. She did not travel anytime three weeks before her symptoms started; she also did not go around even as she had symptoms. She tested positive for MPXV DNA, clade II. Two close contacts have been identified and notified, they do not have symptoms. She continues to recover at home, under close and continuing monitoring by local health authorities

Mpox case 14 is a 12 year old male from the CaLaBaRzon region. His symptoms started August 10, 2024 with fever. He also developed rashes mainly on the face, legs, trunk and pubic area extending to other parts of the body. He also had cough and swollen lymph nodes at the groin area. Case 12 consulted at a rural health unit. A skin sample was collected on August 23. He has no history of travel anytime three weeks before the start of symptoms. Other circumstances are still being verified. He tested positive for MPXV DNA, clade II. He continues to recover at home, under close and continuing monitoring by local health authorities.

Local government units where cases 13 and 14 are from have been informed and have the power and authority by law to disclose more detailed information including response actions, at their discretion.

“Heightened surveillance leads to a flashlight effect – our people become more aware and we detect more cases. All are the milder MPXV clade II,” said Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. “The situation strengthens our health system – we can find, test, and treat mpox. We will be ready should clade Ib get here,” added the Health Chief.

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. Current turnaround time at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) is 2-3 days for testing. 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.

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.