The patient who tested positive for Monkeypox, the first case of the disease reported in the country this year, reported to have visited a spa and dermatology clinic in Quezon city.
Dr. Rolly Cruz, the Chief of Quezon city epidemiology and disease surveillance unit, reported that the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau noted their office on August 15 regarding a suspected case of Monkeypox in the country.
They were informed that a man visited a dermatology clinic in Quezon City for anal warts. It was then discovered in the patient's medical history that he had previously gone to a spa in Quezon City and engaged in sexual activity in the spa's wet area.
"Nalaman nga natin na mayroon s’yang ka-activity in several areas including ‘yung spa na ‘to, Quezon City and outside Quezon City," Cruz said during an exclusive interview with DZRH on Wednesday.
"According sa history taking ng doctor, mayroon din s’yang encounter ng mga sexual activity," he added.
Dr. Cruz added that, in addition to this, the man also admitted to having engaged in other sexual activities at various spa clinics outside the city.
41 close contacts of the Mpox carrier have been identified. According to reports, seven of these individuals are from Quezon City, including three spa workers and four of its clients.
Furthermore, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of QC assured constituents that they are prepared to handle and respond to the Mpox situation.
Currently, the QC Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit has activated a quick response team focused on contact tracing.
The spa clinic where the 33-year-old man infected with mpox received services, has been closed due to the lack of necessary operating permits.
