DOH includes mpox in dangerous communicable diseases list

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has included mpox in the list of the country’s dangerous communicable diseases.

In Department Circular 2024-0333, the DOH said mpox falls under Category I together with viral hepatitis (except Hepatitis A), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease without necropsy, severe acute respiratory syndrome, avian influenza, Invasive Group A Streptococcal infections, cholera and other infectious diseases.

“These diseases (under Category 1) are signified by a yellow label tag in the body of a dead person,” the DOH noted.

“This means general precautions that health staff, mortuary staff and relatives must follow when handling the deceased, there should be minimal handling of the body; use of appropriate personal protective equipment by licensed staff should hygienic preparation be done, even as it is not advisable and no embalming. The remains shall be buried or cremated within 12 hours after death,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.

In the Updated Interim Guidelines on the Prevention, Detection and Management of mpox, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said handling of human remains of deceased individuals who were suspect, probable or confirmed cases of mpox should follow appropriate infection, prevention and control measures.

“Perform hand hygiene and wear personal protective equipment according to contact and droplet precautions (gloves, gown, respirator such as N95, FFP2 and eye protection) as patients with rashes that have not healed may still have infectious virus,” added Herbosa.