Monkeypox, now known as mpox, has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time.

The viral disease, which has been spreading in African countries, was first declared a PHEIC in 2022.

Two years later, on Aug. 14, the WHO reissued its highest alert level due to a new mpox variant, which has increased the risk of the virus spreading to other continents.

The WHO’s declaration came a day after the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced mpox as a public health emergency.

Even before the WHO’s declaration, the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines said it was on “alert” as it continued to monitor global developments related to mpox.

READ: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/13/doh-on-alert-following-mpox-emergency-declaration-in-africa

DOH Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo told reporters that the agency’s “surveillance systems remain on alert” following the recent declaration. “We will provide updates as they come,” he added.

What is mpox?

Mpox, originally named “monkeypox,” is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

Similar to smallpox but generally less severe, mpox was first identified in monkeys in 1958. The first reported human case was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970.

In 2022, to minimize stigma and association with monkeys, as the disease can also infect rodents and humans, the WHO has changed the name from "monkeypox" to "mpox." 

The viral disease spreads through direct contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.

Mpox can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

Those infected develop a characteristic rash that often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. This rash typically appears 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever and progresses through different stages before forming a scab, which eventually falls off.

Mpox in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the DOH reported that while there have been detected cases in the past, there have been no recorded deaths due to mpox.

READ: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/9/doh-reports-no-mpox-deaths-in-the-philippines

“The mpox case count in the Philippines remains at nine,” Domingo said.

Four mpox cases were detected in 2022. Last year, five cases were detected: one in May, one in July, and three in December.

“No new mpox cases have been detected in the Philippines since December 2023,” Domingo said.

In 2022, the DOH issued interim technical guidelines for mpox surveillance, screening, management, and infection control.

It also issued a public health advisory containing important information about the viral disease.

Should we be worried?

In a televised interview on Aug. 15, Domingo acknowledged the urgency of the WHO’s declaration of mpox as a health emergency but also emphasized the importance of remaining alert.

“Palagi namin sinasabi sa public health, maging alerto (We always say in public health, be alert),” Domingo said. “Tamang praning lang, wag masyado kasi para alam din natin kung ano ang gagawin natin para di tayo mahawaan o tayo ay makapag-ingat (It's okay to be cautious, but not overly so because this helps us know what actions to take to avoid infection or to be cautious),” Domingo said.

While mpox can be serious, especially for certain vulnerable groups, Domingo noted that there is no need to panic.

Mpox transmission

Domingo explained mpox spreads through close physical contact—especially skin-to-skin contact.

The virus spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person, including direct contact with their rash, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets.

Mpox can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects like bedding.
The incubation period, Domingo explained, varies from one to 21 days, with symptoms typically beginning as fever and rashes that may persist for up to four weeks.

The virus becomes contagious two days before the onset of symptoms, specifically rashes.

Unless individuals have direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals or humans, have prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected person, or have touched contaminated objects, such as bedding, clothing, or towels used by an infected person, the chances of transmission remain low.

Is there a treatment for mpox?

There is no specific treatment for mpox, Domingo said. However, the viral disease is generally self-limiting and can resolve without treatment.

“Walang gamot mismo sa monkeypox pero ang magandang balita, kusa itong gumagaling (There is no specific medication for monkeypox, but the good news is that it tends to resolve on its own),” he explained.

While the lack of available treatment for mpox causes concern for many, Domingo noted that infected patients may recover without medical treatment.

For infected individuals, supportive care --- such as managing symptoms and complications --- is crucial for recovery.

Similarly, Domingo said there is no vaccine available for mpox.

However, in some cases, antiviral drugs and vaccines used for smallpox may be effective against mpox.

In some countries like the United States, Domingo said the smallpox vaccine has been administered to high-risk populations.

“Dito sa Pilipinas, hindi natin siya ibinibigay kasi mababa o wala nga tayong nakikitang load lately at kaya naman ng ating surveillance systems (Here in the Philippines, we do not administer it because the risk is currently low or nonexistent, and our surveillance systems are adequate to manage it),” he said.

Be alert

While mpox is a disease that warrants attention and appropriate preventive measures, the DOH noted that there is no need for undue fear.

“Nakabantay ang DOH at ang buong gobyerno natin sa nangyayari ngayon sa international arena, wag po tayong mag-alala (The DOH and our entire government are monitoring the situation internationally, so please don’t worry),” Domingo said.

Recognizing that public health measures and education are key to controlling the spread of mpox, Domingo said that the DOH would continue to provide accurate information related to the disease.

“Tamang impormasyon ang kailangan para alam ng ating populasyon kung ano ang gagawin (Accurate information is needed so our population knows what actions to take),” he added.

Preventive measures

Since mpox is a viral disease, the DOH emphasized that it is prevented mainly through hygiene.

Avoiding contact or refraining from close physical contact with individuals who show symptoms of mpox, and practicing hand hygiene through regular washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, are among the recommended preventive measures.

While masking remains voluntary, Domingo said wearing masks, especially while traveling, would reduce the possible transmission through respiratory droplets.

Domingo also mentioned that the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is alert regarding the mpox situation.

“Ang ating BOQ, walang dagdag na proseso pero ang sinasabi naming alert sila (The BOQ has not added new processes, but they are on alert),” Domingo said.

Domingo mentioned that, as part of its measures against mpox, the BOQ might start asking additional questions or conducting interviews with travelers arriving from or heading to Africa.

RELATED STORY: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/15/tamang-praning-lang-doh-urges-caution-without-panic-amid-mpox-emergency