Baguio City logs second mpox case; patient has no foreign travel history

January 26, 2025 , 04:07 PM

By Bea Rollo

(January 26, 2025) – Baguio City confirmed its second laboratory-confirmed mpox case, formerly known as Monkeypox, on Saturday, following the recovery of the city’s first recorded case last Jan. 17.

A 22-year-old male resident of Baguio, with no travel history outside the country, has been identified as the second patient to have contracted the virus, according to the city’s health services office (CHSO).

The patient had close contact two weeks before symptoms appeared. Initial signs included flu-like symptoms such as body discomfort, fatigue, and chills accompanied by rashes on his face, arms, palms, and back.

The patient sought consultation at a private hospital, where samples from his lesions tested positive for Monkeypox viral DNA at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

The infection was identified as Clade II, a less severe strain similar to the city’s first case.

The patient was discharged on January 21 and placed under home isolation.
Two identified close contacts, who remained asymptomatic, are undergoing quarantine until February 6 and February 24.

City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes assured residents that there is no need for alarm but emphasized observing health protocols.

“There is no need for panic. We just have to do frequent hand-washing, use long sleeves or jackets, avoid exposure to crowds as mpox can be contracted through skin contact or through contaminated things such as bedding, towels, and the like,” Brillantes said.

She also reminded the public about transmission risks, which include intimate contact and exposure to contaminated items like clothes and bedding.

Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged vigilance, especially with upcoming city events. He reiterated that while mpox is less transmissible than COVID-19, precautions are necessary to prevent further spread.

As of December 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) logged 52 mpox cases nationwide.

Residents with symptoms such as rashes and fever are encouraged to consult their nearest health center.

(AAD)

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