The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, April 18, assured the public that the Mpox cases reported by the Davao City Health Office (Davao CHO) are of the Clade II variant of the MPX virus.
“The level of risk remains the same as in previous months; there is no increased danger,” the DOH said in a statement.
The DOH clarified that the patient who passed away “did not succumb” to Mpox itself.
“[The] said patient was in a severely immunocompromised state and is likely to have died of non-Mpox-related complications,” the DOH said.
Citing the Davao CHO, the DOH noted that the established Mpox response measures “are working.”
“Surveillance systems detected the cases, which led to their careful isolation from the public,” the DOH said. “All identified close contacts are being monitored,” the department added.
Holy Week
As the country observes Holy Week, the DOH assured the public that Filipinos can continue with Lenten-related activities.
“We can continue with our meaningful reflection this Good Friday and Easter weekend,” the DOH said. “Those not observing may likewise rest and recover during this public holiday,” it added.
Understanding Mpox
The DOH explained that the common symptoms of Mpox include skin rashes 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 department added that “anyone can get Mpox,” as it is transmitted through close, intimate contact (including sexual contact) with an infectious person, through contaminated materials such as used clothing or utensils, or through contact with infected animals.
The DOH emphasized that soap and water can eliminate the virus. “When washing contaminated materials, use gloves,” the DOH advised.
Mpox is treated with supportive care, the DOH explained.
“Patients without other underlying illnesses may stay at home after testing, until all scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed—typically after two to four weeks,” the DOH said.