DOH detects 3 more mpox cases bringing number of active cases to 8
The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Sunday, Sept. 1, that three more cases of the milder Clade II have been detected, making the total number of mpox active cases in the country eight.
In a press release, the health department said the two additional cases were from Metro Manila and the other was from CALABARZON.
All three have the milder MPXV clade II. This makes the total mpox caseload in the Philippines stand at 17 since July 2022—nine have long recovered since 2023.
"Cases 15 and 16 had anonymous sexual encounters with more than one partner, while case 17 had close, skin-to-skin sexual contact with another person who had skin symptoms," DOH said.
The recorded cases
The 15th case was drawn from a 29-year-old man from the National Capital Region, whose symptoms started last Aug. 21 that included rashes on his upper lip, arm, and anal area, swollen neck lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle pain, and weakness. His fever also began a day after.
This person opted for a teleconsultation and, stayed at home and had anonymous sexual encounters before the onset of his symptoms. He did not travel within 21 days before the start of symptoms and reported one close contact.
As of this writing, he continues to be isolated from home.
Meanwhile, case 16 is a 34-year-old male also from NCR, whose symptoms started Aug. 27, including rashes and blisters over his arms, genital and anal areas, cough, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in his groin area.
DOH said this man did not travel anytime 21 days before symptoms started and disclosed that he had sexual contact with three partners before symptoms began.
He was admitted after he sought a consultation but has already been discharged to complete isolation at home. Contact tracing is ongoing.
Lastly, case 17 came from a 29-year-old male from CALABARZON who started having a fever on Aug. 19. Shortly after, he developed rashes (vesicles) on his face, thorax, arms, legs, and soles and had headache, muscle pain, and swollen neck lymph nodes.
Case 17 also didn't have history of travel within 21 days before the start of symptoms but had close intimate contact with one sexual partner who may have had the same skin symptoms.
He has two household close contacts.
'Better and wider risk communication is working'
DOH has stated that it has already notified the respective local government units regarding the three new cases and their locations.
"Better and wider risk communication is working, and so is improved access to consultation and testing. Anyone can get Mpox, but it is crystal clear that the mode of transmission here is close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact," said Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa in a statement.
He added, "Prevention is also clear: avoid intimate contact, especially anonymous ones with multiple sexual partners."
On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the health department reported the first mpox case in the Philippines this year, bringing the total case number in the country to 10 since July 2022.
Mpox, formerly monkeypox, is an infectious disease that "can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals," according to WHO. It causes fever, muscle aches, and large boil-like skin lesions, among others.
Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks, where fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes accompany the rashes.
"Anyone can get mpox. Mpox can be transmitted to humans through close, intimate (including sexual) contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials like used clothes or utensils, or with infected animals," DOH said.
Nonetheless, the health department reminded the public that soap and water can kill the virus and that gloves should always be used when washing contaminated materials.