The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the detection of a new case of mpox in the country, as global surveillance intensifies due to the World Health Organization declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The latest reported case, the 10th in the Philippines, involves a 33-year-old Filipino male with no recent travel history but had close contact with an infected individual.
Mpox presents with symptoms such as fever, body rashes, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus spreads through close contact, contaminated materials, or contact with infected animals.
Diagnosis is verified through PCR testing of skin lesion samples, with suspected cases advised to seek assessment in designated hospitals.
Treatment primarily consists of supportive care, enabling patients without underlying illnesses to recover at home within 2-4 weeks.
The DOH is updating guidelines for mpox management to enable home-based care and testing, stressing the significance of hand hygiene and prompt identification of potential cases for containment.
“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, ” Secretary Herbosa stated.
Health Secretary added that the department will will make the testing process as convenient as possible, so that suspect cases may be identified fast and allowed to stay at home,” stressed Herbosa.
“Our health system is working. We can handle the situation, and will keep the public well-informed,” assured the Health Chief Valeriano.
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