The Philippines detected a new case of the mpox virus, marking the country’s first reported infection since December 2023. The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed this on Monday, August 19.
The patient is a 33-year-old Filipino male with no recent travel history outside the country. Health officials are currently awaiting sequencing results to identify the strain of the virus.
The detection of the new case comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency, its highest level of alert, following an outbreak in DR Congo that spread to neighboring countries.
A new, easily transmissible form of the virus has raised global concerns due to its rapid spread through routine close contact.
The Philippines’ latest case is the 10th laboratory-confirmed mpox infection since the country first reported the virus in July 2022.
According to the DOH, the patient’s symptoms began over a week ago with a fever, followed four days later by a distinct rash appearing on the face, back, nape, trunk, groin, as well as the palms and soles.
Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, typically results in flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While generally mild, the disease can be severe or even fatal in certain people, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV.
According to WHO, mpox can affect anyone and it spreads through direct contact with an infected person or animal, contaminated materials, or respiratory droplets.
Experts advise that taking preventive measures such as getting vaccinated, decreasing human contact with infected animals, and limiting person-to-person spread are the first steps towards minimising the spread of mpox.
The global spread of the virus has triggered widespread vigilance, with cases of the new variant being reported outside Africa.
On Thursday, August 15, Sweden confirmed its first case linked to the growing outbreak in Africa, while Pakistan reported at least one mpox infection on August 16, in a patient returning from a Gulf country, though the strain of the virus remains unidentified.
In Rwanda, the Ministry of Health reported a total of four confirmed cases of mpox in the country on August 16, since July 27 all of which are connected to recent international travel. Of the four cases, two have recovered and were discharged, it is noted.
As the situation evolves, health authorities worldwide are on high alert, urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.