(2 New Mpox cases in Philippines) Public told: Don't panic

CEBU, Philippines — While the Department of Health (DOH) continues to ask the public to be extra cautious against mpox, officials have also stressed that there is no need to panic as there are other skin diseases which symptoms are alike with mpox.

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo, in a new statement concerning mpox following two more confirmed cases in the National Capital Region, explained that there are many skin diseases that may be confused with mpox, such as chickenpox, shingles, or herpes.

Hence, Domingo said DOH has been receiving a lot of suspected mpox cases on a regular basis ever since the first case was detected in July 2022.

But the health department has stressed that it's best to get tested if one suspects of the same symptoms.

At the same time, Domingo also urged the media to balance the need to be the first one to report with the need to be scientifically accurate so that anxiety will not be unnecessarily induced.

Further, Domingo also said it is DOH policy to disclose the detection of PCR-positive mpox cases as soon as verification is complete, which is then shared to the local government units where the patient resides.

“We defer to local government units on their risk communication approach, knowing that they have the power to declare disease outbreaks within their respective localities, provided that such is supported by sufficient scientific evidence (see Sec 7, RA 11332),” Domingo said.

The two new confirmed mpox cases detected in Metro Manila are both MPXV Clade II, which is the milder form of mpox virus, the DOH reported.

Transmission dynamics for the two new cases are consistent with earlier warnings: close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact.

The total case count of mpox in the Philippines is now 12 since July 2022, which includes nine cases who have long recovered since 2023; and three active cases waiting for symptoms to resolve.

The DOH advisory added that the 11th mpox case is a 37-year-old male from NCR who noticed symptoms starting August 20, 2024. A distinct rash began on his face, arms, legs, thorax, palms, and soles.

Initial investigation showed that the 11th case had no known exposure to any person with similar symptoms, but admitted to close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact within 21 days before the start of his symptoms. He was admitted to a government hospital last August 22, from where a skin sample was taken and then tested at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The patient remains in the government hospital.

The 12th mpox case is a 32-year-old male from NCR with symptoms that started last August 14, 2024. He noticed skin lesions–clear, fluid-filled vesicles, at his groin area. A few days later, his fever started. He admits to close, intimate and skin-to-skin contact with one sexual partner.

Due to persistent symptoms, he sought consultation at an outpatient clinic and was initially managed as a case of a bacterial infection. However, after a few days he started having pimple-like lesions on the face, forehead, and scalp. He was advised to seek consultation at a DOH hospital where a skin sample was taken last August 23. He was advised home isolation while awaiting results, and has been staying at home ever since.

DOH added that LGUs where cases 11 and 12 are from have been informed and have the power and authority by law to disclose more detailed information including response actions, at their discretion.

“We continue to see local transmission of mpox clade II here in the Philippines, in Metro Manila in particular. Mpox moves from skin-to-skin, both during sexual encounters and also other intimate forms of skin contact. It is not airborne," said DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

“Avoid close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact so as not to get mpox. Wash hands with soap and water. Cover your skin. Our health system will continue to detect and protect," advised Herbosa.

Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two-four weeks. The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes and anyone can get mpox.

Laboratory confirmation of mpox is done by testing skin lesion material by PCR. Dermatologists and other physicians who are entertaining a high index of suspicion are reminded to record the name and contact information of their patients, and guide them to the nearest major hospital.

Mpox is treated with supportive care and patients with no other illnesses may stay at home after testing, until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms.

DOH further added that by law, the declaration of local disease outbreaks must come from provincial, city, or municipal authorities as stated in Sec. 7 of Republic Act No. 11332.

DOH continues to discuss with local epidemiology and surveillance units (ESUs) to provide sufficient scientific evidence so that they may advise their local chief executives, wither by governors or mayors, on the best available response. — (FREEMAN)