The Philippines has reported three new mpox cases, bringing the total number of active cases in the country to eight, according to the Department of Health (DOH). All active cases are attributed to MPXV clade II, a less severe form of the mpox virus.
The new cases include two from Metro Manila and one from Calabarzon. This development raises the total mpox caseload in the Philippines to 17 since the virus was first detected in July 2022. While nine patients have fully recovered since 2023, the remaining eight are still active and are undergoing home isolation.
Details of the Latest Cases
- Case 15: A 29-year-old male from the National Capital Region (NCR) who developed symptoms such as rashes, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle pain, and fever starting August 21. The patient reported one close contact and engaged in anonymous sexual activities before the onset of symptoms.
- Case 16: A 34-year-old male, also from NCR, with symptoms including rashes, blisters, cough, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes starting August 27. He reported having sexual contact with three individuals. Contact tracing is ongoing, and he remains in home isolation after discharge from a health facility.
- Case 17: A 29-year-old male from Calabarzon experienced fever, rashes on multiple body parts, headache, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes beginning August 19. He had close intimate contact with a partner who may have exhibited similar symptoms and reported two household close contacts.
The DOH has notified the local government units where these cases were detected and emphasized the importance of public health measures to prevent further spread.
Transmission and Prevention
Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected individual, contaminated materials, or animals. Common symptoms include rashes or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes, typically lasting two to four weeks. The DOH advises frequent hand washing with soap and water and using gloves when handling potentially contaminated items.
In response to the cases, the DOH has updated its interim guidelines for mpox management. Travelers entering or leaving the Philippines must now declare if they have had any mpox symptoms, such as rashes or blisters, within the past 30 days. The eTravel system will alert the Bureau of Quarantine and the Bureau of Immigration if a traveler is flagged as a potential risk based on these criteria.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to health protocols to control the spread of the virus.