Gab Ibis

The Department of Health (DOH) reported two new mpox cases on August 28, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 14 since July 2022. 

Photo Courtesy of The Business Standard/The Guardian.

The new cases were detected in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Calabarzon, both involving the milder MPXV Clade II strain of the virus.

The 13th case involved a 26-year-old female from NCR, who began experiencing symptoms on August 20.

Her initial symptoms included rashes on her face and back, accompanied by fever. 

By August 23, the patient noticed additional rashes on her pubic area, arms, and torso, along with a sore throat and swollen neck lymph nodes. 

She is currently recovering at home under close monitoring by local health authorities.

The 14th case is a 12-year-old male from Calabarzon. 

Like the 13th case, he had no recent travel history and is also recovering at home under close observation.

The DOH has informed the local government units (LGUs) where the patients reside, giving them the authority to disclose more detailed information and take appropriate response actions. 

As of now, two close contacts from the 13th case have been identified and notified, though they have not shown any symptoms.

“Initial investigation is consistent with earlier findings of local transmission of Clade II. Details are being verified as to how close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact may have taken place,” the DOH said in a statement.

The current active mpox cases in the country now stand at five, with nine patients having recovered since 2023.

Mpox is primarily transmitted through close, intimate contact with an infected individual, contaminated materials such as used clothes or utensils, or infected animals. 

Common symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks, and are often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
The DOH continues to remind the public of the importance of hygiene and safety measures. 

“Soap and water can kill the virus, and gloves should be used when handling contaminated materials,” the department advised.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa also reiterated the importance of avoiding close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact to prevent infection. 

“Our health system will continue to detect and protect,” Herbosa said.