DOH confirms two more mpox cases in Metro Manila

August 26, 2024 , 03:55 PM

(August 26, 2024) – The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Monday, August 26, that two more mpox cases have been detected in Metro Manila. Both cases involve MPXV Clade II, the milder form of the mpox virus.

The DOH stated that the transmission dynamics of both cases are consistent with earlier warnings such as close, intimate and skin-to-skin contact.

The total case count has now reached 12 since July 2022. Nine of these cases have recovered, while three active cases are still being monitored.

The 37-year-old patient, identified as Mpox case 11, noticed symptoms on August 20, 2024, including a distinct rash on his face, arms, legs, thorax, palms, and soles. The patient had no known exposure to individuals with similar symptoms but admitted to close and intimate skin-to-skin contact within the 21 days before his symptoms began. He was admitted on the hospital on August 22, where his skin sample was taken and tested. He remains under hospital care.

Mpox case 12, a 32-year-old male, began experiencing symptoms on August 14, 2024, starting with skin lesions in the groin area, followed by a fever. The patient admitted to close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact with one sexual partner. Because of persistent symptoms, he sought consultation at an outpatient clinic and was initially managed for a bacterial infection. After a few days, he developed pimple-like lesions on his face, forehead, and scalp. He was advised to seek consultation at a DOH hospital, where a skin sample was taken. He was instructed to isolate at home while awaiting results and has remained in isolation since.

According to the Health department, the local government units where Cases 11 and 12 were detected have been informed and have the legal authority to disclose more detailed information, including response actions, at their discretion.

Meanwhile, Health Sec. Teodoro Herbosa stated that local transmission of mpox Clade II continues to be observed in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila. He emphasized that mpox spreads through skin-to-skin contact, both during sexual encounters and other intimate forms of contact. It is not airborne.

“Avoid close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact to prevent mpox. Wash hands with soap and water. Cover your skin. Our health system will continue to detect and protect,” Herbosa emphasized.

It can be recalled that on August 19, the DOH reported a new mpox case in the Philippines, the first since December last year. The Quezon City local government immediately conducted contact tracing at two establishments visited by the individual with the reported mpox case.

(PB)

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