Suspected monkeypox cases told to seek immediate medical attention
Individuals who are exhibiting monkeypox symptoms such as rash or one or more acute skin lesions were told to seek immediate medical attention.
Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi) President Dr. Rene De Grano urged individuals presenting monkeypox symptoms to seek immediate medical assistance, reiterating that detection is one of the keys to prevent the spread of the viral disease.

“Ang importante po ay madetect, macontain, at maprevent natin ang spread . ang awareness ng mga taong may ganitong sakit. Kung nakakaramdam sila ng mga sintomas ay kailangang mag report agad sila nang sa ganon po ay matignan natin kung monkeypox talaga ang kanilang nararamdaman (The important thing is that we detect, contain, and prevent the spread of monkeypox. The awareness of people with this disease is also important. If they feel symptoms, they need to report it immediately so that we can see if they really have monkeypox),” said De Grano in a “Laging Handa” public briefing on Monday, August 1.
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis similar but “less severe” than smallpox. Unlike Covid-19, monkeypox is not airborne but it may be transmitted through physical, skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated materials, as well as “intimate sexual contact” with individuals who have rashes or open wounds.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, lymphadenopathy locally known as kulani, and rashes.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the country’s first monkeypox case on Friday, July 29. The case involved a 31-year-old Filipino national who arrived from abroad on July 19.