DOH detects 1 new mpox case in PH

Photo from World Health Organization.

By Brian Jules Campued

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Monday the detection of a new case of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in the Philippines.

In a press briefing, Health Sec. Teodoro Herbosa said the new case was reported to the DOH on Sunday, following heightened surveillance due to the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).

“Ito ‘yung pang-sampu in the Philippines since December of 2023,” Herbosa said. All previous cases were isolated, cared for, and have since recovered.

The Health chief said the case is a 33-year-old male Filipino with no travel history outside the Philippines but had “close, intimate contact three weeks before symptom onset.”

Herbosa noted that the case was recorded in a government hospital where specimens were collected from skin lesions and examined via a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which tested positive for Monkeypox viral DNA.

“Symptoms started more than a week ago with fever, which was followed four days later by findings of a distinct rash on the face, back, nape, trunk, groin, as well as palms and soles,” he added.

According to DOH, the common symptoms of mpox include skin rash mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks, as well as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

Mpox is transmitted to humans through intimate contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials like used clothing or utensils, or with infected animals.

“Pero soap and water will kill the virus. So, very important ‘yung handling ng materials, ‘yon ang gusto naming i-present ngayon,” Herbosa said, reminding people to use gloves when washing contaminated materials.

He, likewise, urged those with symptoms to not self-medicate and seek consultation and testing instead. However, it is also advised for patients with no other illnesses to home-isolate after testing “until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms” after two to four weeks.

“We can avoid mpox. Keeping our hands clean with soap and water or with alcohol-based sanitizers will help,” the DOH chief said.

“DOH will make the testing process as convenient as possible so that suspect cases may be identified fast and allowed to stay at home,” he added.

The WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency last August 14, following an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo which has since spread to neighboring countries. Mpox was also declared a PHEIC from July 2022 until May 2023. – av

Popular

PBBM laments lack of progress in resolving South China Sea disputes

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed dismay over the lack of further progress in addressing...

Palace slams VP Sara’s remarks on ‘inadequate protection’ for OFWs, ‘no comment’ on ICC charges vs. FPRRD

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet At the Malacañang press briefing held on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to...

Palace: PBBM ‘doing well’ amid lack of public engagements

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reassured the masses that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is...

PBBM signs ARROW Act into law for right-of-way acquisition reform

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet In a bid to improve bureaucratic efficiency and ensure relevance to modern conventions, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into...