The Department of Health (DOH) has reported the first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the Philippines for 2024.
This new case brings the total number of recorded mpox cases in the country to 10. The last case was documented in December 2023, and all previous patients have since recovered.
Details of the New Mpox Case
On 18th August, the DOH received information regarding the new mpox case, which involves a 33-year-old Filipino male with no travel history outside the Philippines. According to the DOH, the individual had close, intimate contact three weeks before the onset of symptoms.
“The case is a 33-year-old male Filipino national with no travel history outside the Philippines but with close, intimate contact three weeks before symptom onset,” the DOH stated.
The patient began showing symptoms over a week ago, initially experiencing fever. Four days later, he developed a distinctive rash. This rash spread across his face, back, nape, trunk, and groin, as well as the palms of his hands and soles of his feet.
Location and Diagnostic Process
The exact location where the new mpox case was recorded has not been disclosed by the DOH. However, it has been confirmed that the patient is receiving treatment in a government hospital. Specimens were collected from the skin lesions and examined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which confirmed the presence of mpox.
Understanding Mpox: Symptoms and Transmission
Mpox is a viral disease with symptoms that typically last between two to four weeks. Common symptoms include skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash can be particularly concerning as it often appears on various parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and groin.
The DOH has emphasised that mpox can be transmitted to humans through close or intimate contact with an infected person. As well as from contaminated materials such as used clothes or utensils, or contact with infected animals.
“Soap and water can kill the virus. When washing contaminated materials, use gloves,” the DOH reminded the public, underscoring the importance of basic hygiene practices in preventing the spread of the disease.
Treatment and Precautionary Measures
Infected individuals are primarily treated with supportive care. If they do not have other underlying illnesses, patients may remain at home until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms. This recovery period typically lasts between two to four weeks.
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa assured the public that mpox can be avoided with proper precautions. He highlighted the importance of maintaining good hygiene, particularly handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers.
“We can avoid mpox. Mpox is transmitted through close, intimate contact, and also the materials used by people who have mpox. Keeping our hands clean with soap and water, or with alcohol-based sanitizers will help. DOH will make the process as convenient as possible, so that suspect cases may be identified fast and allowed to stay at home,” Herbosa stated.
Public Reassurance and Government Response
The DOH is confident in the country’s ability to manage the situation. Secretary Herbosa reiterated that the Philippine health system is equipped to handle the mpox case and any potential future cases. He assured that the government would continue to keep the public well-informed and provide timely updates as the situation evolves.
“Our health system is working. We can handle the situation, and will keep the public well-informed,” Herbosa concluded.
Conclusion
The confirmation of the first mpox case in the Philippines for 2024 serves as a reminder of the need for adherence to preventive measures. Public cooperation in maintaining hygiene and promptly reporting symptoms is crucial in preventing the spread of this viral disease.
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