DOH reports 3 new mpox cases; active cases rise to 8

September 1, 2024 , 11:58 AM

By Bea Rollo

(September 1, 2024) — Three more cases of mpox were detected in the country, increasing the total number of active cases to eight, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Sunday.

The new cases involve two individuals from Metro Manila and one from CALABARZON, all of whom have tested positive for the milder MPXV clade II strain.

Case 15, a 29-year-old male from Metro Manila, began showing symptoms on August 21, which included rashes, swollen neck lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle pain, weakness, and fever.

Case 16, meanwhile, is a 34-year-old male, also from Metro Manila, began showing symptoms on August 27, developed rashes and blisters over his arms, genital and anal areas. The patient also experienced cough, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in his groin area.

Both individuals had a history of multiple sexual contacts prior to symptom onset.

Case 17, a 29-year-old male from CALABARZON, exhibited similar symptoms starting on August 19, following close intimate contact with a partner who displayed skin symptoms.

All additional cases did not travel within 21 days before the start of symptoms.

Local government units have been informed and may disclose further details as necessary.

Health Sec. Teodoro Herbosa reassured the public that the health system remains vigilant, with ongoing measures to monitor and contain the spread of mpox.

Laboratory confirmation of mpox is conducted through PCR testing at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), with results typically available within 2-3 days.

The DOH also emphasized that mpox is primarily transmitted through close, intimate contact, with contaminated materials like used clothes or utensils, or with infected animals.

Common symptoms include a skin rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, typically persisting for 2 to 4 weeks. They advise those experiencing symptoms to seek medical consultation and adhere to isolation protocols.

“Better and wider risk communication is working, and so is improved access to consultation and testing. Anyone can get mpox, but it is crystal clear that the mode of transmission here is close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact. Prevention is also clear: avoid intimate contact, especially anonymous ones with multiple sexual partners,” Sec. Herbosa reminded the public.

The Philippines has recorded a total of 17 mpox cases since July 2022, with 8 active cases recorded this year.

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