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Five Active Mpox Cases In The Philippines: Latest Updates And What You Need To Know
Photo courtesy from NIAID/NIH
In recent months, the Philippines has seen a rise in mpox cases, with the total now at 14 since July 2022. The good news? All currently active cases are of the milder MPXV clade II variety. Here’s the scoop on the latest developments:
What’s New?
The Department of Health (DOH) has reported two more confirmed mpox cases. One is in Metro Manila and the other in the Calabarzon region. Both individuals have the milder clade II of the virus. This variant, while less severe, is still under close watch.
Case Details
- Case 13: A 26-year-old woman from NCR noticed symptoms starting August 20, 2024. She initially had rashes on her face and back, fever, and later developed rashes in her pubic area, sore throat, and swollen neck lymph nodes. Despite these symptoms, she hadn’t traveled or been in contact with anyone she knows to be infected. Her case is under investigation, but for now, she’s recovering at home with close monitoring.
- Case 14: A 12-year-old boy from CaLaBaRzon started showing symptoms on August 10, 2024, including fever and rashes on various parts of his body. Like the previous case, he didn’t travel recently, and his case is also being investigated. He’s recovering at home and is monitored by local health authorities.
Why the Increase?
Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa notes that increased awareness and heightened surveillance have led to more cases being detected. “The flashlight effect” means that as people become more aware, more cases are found. However, it's reassuring that all the active cases are of the milder Clade II, which is less severe compared to other strains.
Staying Safe
Mpox is transmitted through close, intimate contact with someone who is infected, or contaminated materials. The virus can also be spread by contact with infected animals. Regular handwashing with soap and water is a simple and effective preventive measure. If you suspect you have mpox, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Laboratory testing, usually done at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), confirms the presence of the virus.
What to Watch For
Common symptoms include rashes, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Most patients can recover at home with supportive care. It’s important to follow hygiene practices and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.
Looking Ahead
The DOH is working diligently to monitor and manage the situation. While the current cases are manageable, the health system is prepared for any potential escalation, including the possibility of more severe strains like clade Ib.
Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s continue to work together to keep our communities healthy!
What’s New?
The Department of Health (DOH) has reported two more confirmed mpox cases. One is in Metro Manila and the other in the Calabarzon region. Both individuals have the milder clade II of the virus. This variant, while less severe, is still under close watch.
Case Details
- Case 13: A 26-year-old woman from NCR noticed symptoms starting August 20, 2024. She initially had rashes on her face and back, fever, and later developed rashes in her pubic area, sore throat, and swollen neck lymph nodes. Despite these symptoms, she hadn’t traveled or been in contact with anyone she knows to be infected. Her case is under investigation, but for now, she’s recovering at home with close monitoring.
- Case 14: A 12-year-old boy from CaLaBaRzon started showing symptoms on August 10, 2024, including fever and rashes on various parts of his body. Like the previous case, he didn’t travel recently, and his case is also being investigated. He’s recovering at home and is monitored by local health authorities.
Why the Increase?
Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa notes that increased awareness and heightened surveillance have led to more cases being detected. “The flashlight effect” means that as people become more aware, more cases are found. However, it's reassuring that all the active cases are of the milder Clade II, which is less severe compared to other strains.
Staying Safe
Mpox is transmitted through close, intimate contact with someone who is infected, or contaminated materials. The virus can also be spread by contact with infected animals. Regular handwashing with soap and water is a simple and effective preventive measure. If you suspect you have mpox, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Laboratory testing, usually done at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), confirms the presence of the virus.
What to Watch For
Common symptoms include rashes, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Most patients can recover at home with supportive care. It’s important to follow hygiene practices and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.
Looking Ahead
The DOH is working diligently to monitor and manage the situation. While the current cases are manageable, the health system is prepared for any potential escalation, including the possibility of more severe strains like clade Ib.
Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s continue to work together to keep our communities healthy!
Aug 28, 2024
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