BAGUIO CITY – The City Health Services Office reported the second case of monkeypox or mpox here.
The first mpox case here was detected on Jan. 17, a 28-year-old man who underwent isolation and recovered after a few days.
The CSHO said the second laboratory-confirmed case of mpox was reported to the Department of Health on Jan. 18, a 22-year-old man and resident here.
He had no travel history outside the Philippines but had close contact two weeks before the onset of symptoms.
The patient sought consultation in a private hospital where specimens were taken from skin lesions and sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City for testing.
Polymerase chain reaction test results showed that the specimens tested positive for monkeypox viral dioxyribonucleic acid, indicating that his infection was also caused by the less severe Clade II strain, the same as the first mpox case in the city.
The CHSO said the patient was discharged from the hospital on Jan. 21 and went straight to home isolation.
The patient had two identified close contacts who are asymptomatic. They were advised to home quarantine until Feb. 6 and Feb. 24, respectively.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong and City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes told the public that there is no reason to panic.
However, they reminded the public to practice routine health protocols such as frequent hand washing, wearing face masks, and physical distancing especially in crowded places.
“There is no need to panic. We just need to wash our hands frequently, wear long sleeves or jackets, avoid exposure to people because mpox can be acquired through the skin or through contaminated objects like bedding, towels, etc,” Brillantes said.
Since both cases were found to have a history of close intimate contact, the CHSO emphasized that mpox can be transmitted through close contact activities such as prolonged exposure, kissing, hugging, and close contact with an infected person.
Flu-like symptoms appeared, with body aches, chills, and fatigue. A peculiar rash on the palms, face, arms, thorax, and back followed.
With the upcoming large gatherings and celebrations in the city such as Panagbenga, the CHSO reiterated that there is no cause for alarm because the virus is not transmitted like the Covid-19 virus but still called for the observation of precautionary measures to prevent spread and transmission.
The Department of Health said 52 mpox cases were recorded in various parts of the country in December 2024.