22-8-2024 (MANILA) The Philippines has confirmed its first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) for the year 2023, prompting swift action from local authorities to contain the potential spread of the virus. The patient, a 33-year-old Filipino male, reportedly visited two establishments in Quezon City, leading to an intensive contact tracing operation.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte revealed that the infected individual had attended a dermatology clinic and a massage spa along E. Rodriguez Avenue. In response to the discovery, city officials have taken immediate action, including the closure of the spa due to expired permits.
As part of containment measures, 41 close contacts of the patient have been placed under quarantine. This development comes on the heels of the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of the mpox surge as a public health emergency of international concern, its highest alert level.
The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that the patient had not travelled outside the country, suggesting possible local transmission. Symptoms exhibited by the patient included a distinctive rash on various parts of the body, including the face, back, trunk, and extremities.
Despite the case, the DOH has assured the public that establishments offering services involving physical contact will be allowed to continue operating. Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo emphasised the importance of finding safe ways to conduct business activities amid the health concern.
“There are ways to continue these kinds of transactions and activities which are safe from impacts. That’s what’s important,” Domingo stated. He added that a meeting between experts, business owners, and key stakeholders is planned to discuss effective risk management strategies for mpox.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa provided some reassurance, confirming that the detected case is a mild variant and not the more deadly strain that has sparked global alarm. The latter, known as Clade 1b, has been responsible for hundreds of deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has recently been detected in Sweden and Pakistan.
In light of this development, the DOH is updating its mpox guidelines to encourage individuals exhibiting symptoms to seek prompt medical consultation and testing. Secretary Herbosa expressed confidence in the country’s health system, stating, “Our health system is working. We can handle the situation, and will keep the public well-informed.”
