Two more mpox cases detected in the Philippines — DOH

Aug 26, 2024 05:23 AM

At a glance

The DOH confirmed that there are currently three active cases of mpox in the country.
With the detection of new cases, the Philippines now has a total of 12 mpox cases.
The two new cases involve males from the National Capital Region (NCR).
The first mpox case of 2024 was also detected this month.
According to the DOH, nine mpox cases from 2022 to 2023 have all recovered.

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Monday, Aug. 26, the detection of two additional cases of mpox in the country.

In a statement, the DOH reported that the new cases were detected in Metro Manila. Both cases have MPXV clade II, which is considered the “milder form” of the mpox virus.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/21/doh-confirms-mpox-case-10-as-clade-ii-variant-why-it-matters

According to the DOH, the transmission dynamics of these new cases align with earlier warnings, which include close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact.

With these new cases, the total case count since July 2022 has risen to 12.

The DOH said that nine of these cases have fully recovered since 2023.

Currently, three cases are active, awaiting symptom resolution.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/19/doh-detects-new-mpox-case-in-the-philippines

Details of the new cases

The DOH explained that “mpox case 11” is a 37-year-old male from NCR who began experiencing symptoms on Aug. 20.

“A distinct rash appeared on his face, arms, legs, thorax, palms, and soles. Initial investigations revealed that case 11 had no known exposure to anyone with similar symptoms but admitted to close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact within 21 days before the onset of symptoms,” the DOH said.

Case 11 was admitted to a government hospital on Aug. 22, where a skin sample was taken and tested at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). “The patient remains in the government hospital,” the DOH added.

Meanwhile, “mpox case 12” is a 32-year-old male from NCR whose symptoms began on Aug. 14.

“He noticed skin lesions (clear, fluid-filled vesicles) in his groin area. A few days later, he developed a fever and admitted to close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact with one sexual partner,” the DOH said.

Due to persistent symptoms, case 12 initially sought consultation at an outpatient clinic, where he was managed as a case of bacterial infection.

However, after a few days, he developed pimple-like lesions on his face, forehead, and scalp. He was advised to seek consultation at a DOH hospital, where a skin sample was taken on Aug. 23.

“He was advised to isolate at home while awaiting results and has been doing so ever since,” the DOH said.

Local transmission

The DOH noted that local government units (LGUs) where cases 11 and 12 are located have been informed.

These LGUs, the DOH said, have the “power and authority by law” to disclose more detailed information, including response actions, at their discretion.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that the DOH continues to observe local transmission of mpox Clade II in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila.

He explained that mpox spreads through skin-to-skin contact, both during sexual encounters and other intimate forms of contact, and is not airborne. “It is not airborne,” Herbosa said.

He advised the public to “avoid close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact to prevent mpox.” Herbosa also emphasized the importance of washing hands with soap and water and covering the skin as much as possible.

Watch for symptoms

The DOH reminded the public that common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks.

“The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes,” the DOH said.

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through close, intimate contact with an infected person, contaminated materials like used clothes or utensils, or infected animals. “Soap and water can kill the virus. When washing contaminated materials, use gloves,” the Health Department advised.

The DOH also stressed that laboratory confirmation of mpox is done by testing skin lesion material using PCR.

“Dermatologists and other physicians who suspect mpox are reminded to record their patients’ names and contact information and refer them to the nearest major hospital,” the DOH said.

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 two to four weeks,” it added.

The DOH assured that it remains vigilant against mpox by coordinating with LGUs. “Our health system will continue to detect and protect,” Herbosa said.