The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a new case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the Philippines, marking the first case since December 2023.
In a press release on Monday, DOH said that the patient is a 33-year-old Filipino male with no recent travel history, and had close contact with someone three weeks before symptoms appeared.
The patient began showing symptoms over a week ago, starting with a fever, followed by a rash on various parts of the body, including the face, back, and palms.
A government hospital conducted tests, confirming the presence of the mpox virus.
According to the health department, mpox typically presents with a rash, fever, headaches, and muscle pain. It spreads through close, intimate contact or contaminated materials like clothing or utensils. The virus can be killed with soap and water, and patients are advised to use gloves when handling contaminated items.
Testing for mpox involves PCR tests on skin lesions. The DOH urges doctors to guide suspected cases to major hospitals for testing and care.
"We can avoid mpox. Mpox is transmitted through close, intimate contact, and also the materials used by people who have mpox. Keeping our hands clean with soap and water, or with alcohol-based sanitizers will help. DOH will make the testing process as convenient as possible, so that suspect cases may be identified fast and allowed to stay at home," said Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.
"Our health system is working. We can handle the situation, and will keep the public well-informed," he furthered.
WATCH: Nilinaw ni @DOHgovph Sec. @Teddybird Herbosa na ito na ang ika-10 kaso ng Mpox (Monkeypox) sa Pilipinas mula pa noong December 2023. | RH 29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/sE4Iwy0sRi
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) August 19, 2024
