The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Tuesday that the number of mpox cases in the Philippines has reached 52, with the majority of infections detected in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa shared that 33 cases were recorded in NCR, followed by 13 in Calabarzon, three in Central Luzon, two in Cagayan Valley, and one in Central Visayas.
While one case resulted in death, Herbosa clarified that the cause was due to a comorbidity and not mpox.
Of the 52 cases:
- 47 (70%) are male, while only five are female.
- Patients range in age from 6 months to 66 years old.
- 30% of the cases involve individuals living with HIV, which can weaken immunity.
Herbosa noted that most cases have no epidemiological link, meaning they had no direct contact with other mpox patients. He cited an instance of a case contracted abroad, while the remaining patients did not spread the virus to others.
All confirmed cases in the country tested positive for the Clade II strain, which is a milder form of the mpox virus. Herbosa assured the public that the more severe Clade 1b strain, seen in African outbreaks, has not been detected locally.
Since mpox is primarily spread through skin-to-skin intimate contact, transmission remains slow, and the situation is not a major cause for concern, according to Herbosa. The DOH continues to monitor cases through a dedicated task force.
The public is reminded that mpox can spread through:
- Close physical contact with an infected individual
- Contaminated items such as clothing or utensils
- Infected animals
Prevention Tips:
- Wash hands and contaminated materials with soap and water
- Wear gloves when handling contaminated items
Mpox Symptoms:
- Skin rash or lesions lasting 2–4 weeks
- Fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes