Press Release | 26 August 2024

With the continued vigilance of the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units, two more confirmed mpox cases have been detected in Metro Manila. Both have MPXV Clade II, which is the milder form of mpox virus. Transmission dynamics for the two new cases are consistent with earlier warnings: close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact. The total case count is now 12 since July 2022. Nine cases have long recovered since 2023. Three are active cases waiting for symptoms to resolve.

Mpox case 11 is a 37 year old male from NCR who noticed symptoms starting August 20, 2024. A distinct rash began on his face, arms, legs, thorax, palms, and soles. Initial investigation showed that case 11 had no known exposure to any person with similar symptoms, but admitted to close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact within 21 days before the start of his symptoms. He was admitted to a government hospital last August 22, from where a skin sample was taken and then tested at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The patient remains to be in the government hospital.

Mpox case 12 is a 32 year old male from NCR with symptoms that started last August 14, 2024. He noticed skin lesions (clear, fluid-filled vesicles) at his groin area. A few days later, fever started. He admits to close, intimate and skin-to-skin contact with one sexual partner. Due to persistent symptoms, he sought consultation at an outpatient clinic and was initially managed as a case of a bacterial infection. However, after a few days he started having pimple like lesions on the face, forehead and scalp. He was advised to seek consultation at at a DOH hospital where a skin sample was taken last August 23. He was advised home isolation while awaiting results, and has been staying at home eversince.

Local government units where cases 11 and 12 are from have been informed and have the power and authority by law to disclose more detailed information including response actions, at their discretion.

“We continue to see local transmission of mpox clade II here in the Philippines, in Metro Manila in particular. Mpox moves from skin-to-skin, both during sexual encounters and also other intimate forms of skin contact. It is not airborne,” advised Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. “Avoid close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact so as not to get mpox. Wash hands with soap and water. Cover your skin. Our health system will continue to detect and protect,” assured 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. 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.