BAGUIO CITY – The City Health Services Office has urged the public to be vigilant after two new cases of monkeypox or mpox were confirmed here.
The CHSO said the two new mpox cases were a 21-year-old male and a 21-year-old female. They have no connection to the two previous patients in January.
The CHSO said the two new cases sought medical consultation in a hospital where specimens were collected from their skin lesions that tested positive for mpox viral DNA at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa City. Both cases had the less severe Clade II strain similar to the two earlier cases.
The new patients were advised to isolate at home until Feb. 16 and Feb. 14, respectively, and remain under the supervision of medical officials.
Close contacts who are asymptomatic have been advised to self-isolate and monitor their health for 21 days.
The CHSO said they have implemented proactive health measures for the expected influx of tourists to the upcoming grand celebration of the Panagbenga Festival here.
They have coordinated with the City Tourism Council, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio, and other high-foot-traffic establishments –accommodation providers, food businesses, spas, gyms, salons, laundry shops, and transportation hubs – to boost precautionary measures.
Panagbenga organizers assured the public that activities will continue with their intensified coordination with health authorities.
Mpox is primarily spread through prolonged close contact and not through airborne transmission.
Revelers were reminded to take necessary precautions: Washing their hands frequently or using hand sanitizers, avoid skin-to-skin contact with individuals showing rashes or flu-like symptoms, wear long sleeves or protective clothing in crowded areas, and seek medical consultation for any symptoms such as fever, body aches, or rash.
Visitors and residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and follow the CHSO’s health advisories.