Manila: At least 41 individuals who had contact with an mpox-infected individual are now under quarantine as government agencies were directed on Wednesday to increase surveillance following the confirmation of the country's first case.
The infected patient, a 33-year-old Filipino, visited a dermatology clinic and a massage spa in Quezon City, according to the Philippine Department of Health (DOH).
The city government has closed the spa and placed all identified contacts under quarantine to prevent the spread of the disease. The DoH emphasised that the patient had no recent travel history outside the Philippines.
“Continue surveillance especially on areas and people most vulnerable to the disease,” President Marcos Jr was quoted by the Presidential Communications Office as saying during his meeting with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and other officials.
Vulnerable category
Herbosa, meanwhile, warned that immuno-compromised individuals are most vulnerable to the virus, which causes skin lesions, fever, and other symptoms.
Since 2023, the DOH has recorded 10 cases of mpox, all patients have recovered.
Herbosa has downplayed concerns about a public health emergency related to mpox, citing the low number of cases and the relatively low fatality rate.
He emphasised that unlike COVID-19, which is airborne, mpox is primarily transmitted through close physical contact with an infected individual or contaminated materials.
Herbosa assured the chief executive that the DOH is ready to treat and manage Mpox.
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, according to the WHO.
