DOH allays fears: Philippines' Mpox cases remain mild, self-limiting
By Jel Santos
(MB FILE PHOTO)
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, June 17, said that all recorded monkeypox (Mpox) cases in the Philippines remain mild and self-limiting, as it assured the public that no cases of the more severe strain have been detected.
“The situation has not changed. All Mpox cases are the milder and self-healing Clade II, not Clade Ib that has a higher mortality,” DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.
Domingo said that while there have been more suspect, probable, and confirmed Mpox cases reported in 2024 compared to 2025, all cases have been documented and accounted for by local government units (LGUs).
“All LGU reports have been accounted for, with more suspect, probable and confirmed cases tallied in 2024 than 2025,” he added.
The health department said Mpox is transmitted primarily through close, intimate physical contact, including sexual contact.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).
It typically causes a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, body pain, headache, and fatigue.
Most patients recover within two to four weeks, but severe illness can occur, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, the WHO said.