By Brian Jules Campued
The Department of Health (DOH) announced Monday the detection of two more cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in the Philippines, bringing the total number of cases to 12.
In a press release, the DOH said the 11th case is a 37-year-old male from the National Capital Region (NCR) who noticed symptoms starting Aug. 20, specifically a distinct rash on his face, arms, legs, thorax, palms, and soles.
Based on initial investigation, the patient had “no known exposure to any person with similar symptoms” but admitted to having “close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact” within 21 days before symptom onset.
“He was admitted to a government hospital last August 22, from where a skin sample was taken and then tested at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM),” the agency stated.
Meanwhile, the 12th case is a 32-year-old male—also from NCR—who noticed skin lesions at his groin area on Aug. 14, which was followed by fever a few days later. The patient also admitted to close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact with one sexual partner.
According to the DOH, the patient first sought consultation at an outpatient clinic where his symptoms were initially managed as a case of bacterial infection. However, pimple-like lesions appeared on his face, forehead, and scalp a few days later.
“He was advised to seek consultation at a DOH hospital where a skin sample was taken last August 23,” it said.
Both cases were infected by MPVX Clade II, the milder form of the virus.
There are currently three active cases of mpox in the country, with the 10th case reported by the DOH on Aug. 19.
“We continue to see local transmission of mpox clade II here in the Philippines, in Metro Manila in particular,” Health Sec. Teodoro Herbosa said in a statement.
“Avoid close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact so as not to get mpox. Wash hands with soap and water. Cover your skin. Our health system will continue to detect and protect,” the DOH chief added. – avds