The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, Aug. 28, confirmed the detection of two more cases of mpox, bringing the total number of active cases to five.

Based on its surveillance systems, the DOH reported two more confirmed mpox cases: one in Metro Manila and another in Region IV-A (Calabarzon).

The newly detected cases are "mpox case 13" and "case 14," respectively. The DOH said both have the milder MPXV clade II.

READ: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/21/mpox-what-are-clades-and-how-do-they-affect-you

The DOH noted that, based on the initial investigation, the mpox cases are from the local transmission of clade II.

READ: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/26/two-more-mpox-cases-detected-in-the-philippines-doh

“Details are being verified as to how close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact may have taken place,” the DOH said.

With these additional cases, the DOH said the total mpox case count is now 14 since July 2022.

The DOH noted that, before the detection of new cases this year, the previous nine cases—from 2022 to 2023—had long recovered.

The five active cases, the DOH said, are still waiting for symptoms to resolve.

READ: 

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

New mpox cases

“Mpox case 13,” the DOH said, is a 26-year-old female from the National Capital Region (NCR) whose symptoms started on Aug. 20.

“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,” the DOH said.

On Aug. 23, the DOH said “mpox case 13” and followed up with a phone call, describing additional rashes in her pubic area, arms, and trunk.

“She also developed a sore throat and swollen neck lymph nodes,” the DOH said. “The exact circumstances of sample collection and the mechanism of close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact are still being determined,” it added.

The DOH noted that “mpox case 13” did not travel three weeks before her symptoms started, and she also “did not go around even as she had symptoms.”

Mpox case 13 tested positive for MPXV DNA, clade II, according to the DOH. “Two close contacts have been identified and notified; they do not have symptoms,” the DOH said. “She continues to recover at home, under close and continuous monitoring by local health authorities,” it added.

Meanwhile, the DOH explained that “mpox case 14” is a 12-year-old male from Calabarzon whose symptoms started on Aug. 10, along 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 a cough and swollen lymph nodes in the groin area,” the DOH said.

The DOH said the patient consulted at a rural health unit, and his skin sample was collected on Aug. 23.

“He has no history of travel anytime three weeks before the start of symptoms,” the DOH explained. “Other circumstances are still being verified,” the DOH said.

Mpox case 14 also tested positive for MPXV DNA, clade II, according to the DOH.

“He continues to recover at home, under close and continuous monitoring by local health authorities,” the DOH said.

The DOH assured that local government units (LGUs) 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.”

Increased awareness, surveillance

As it continues to monitor the mpox situation in the country, the DOH underscored the importance of increased awareness about the viral disease.

The DOH said increased awareness allows the Philippine health system to “be fast,” which is aligned with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meanwhile, DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa emphasized the importance of “heightened surveillance,” which “leads to a flashlight effect—our people become more aware, and we detect more cases.”

READ: 

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

Readiness for clade I

Herbosa noted that all mpox cases in the Philippines are MPXV clade II, which is considered “milder” compared to the deadly strain clade I spreading in the African continent and other countries.

"The situation strengthens our health system—we can find, test, and treat mpox,” Herbosa said. “We will be ready should clade I arrive,” he added.

The DOH reminded the public that the common symptoms of mpox are 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.

The DOH noted that “anyone can get mpox” and it can be transmitted to humans through close, intimate contact with someone infectious, with contaminated materials like used clothes or utensils, or with infected animals.

“Soap and water can kill the virus,” the DOH said. “When washing contaminated materials, use gloves,” it added.

Moreover, the DOH noted that laboratory confirmation of mpox is done by testing skin lesion material by PCR.

The current turnaround time at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) is two to three days for testing.

Meanwhile, the DOH noted that dermatologists and other physicians, who entertain 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.

The DOH said that 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,” the DOH added.

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