MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) has reported that the number of mpox (monkeypox) cases in the Philippines has increased to 15. This update was announced by Health Undersecretary Gloria Balboa during a Metro Manila Council meeting held at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Latest case of Mpox identified in Metro Manila
The latest case, confirmed by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on 9 September, is from the National Capital Region (NCR). Of the 15 confirmed cases, 11 are from Metro Manila, 3 from Calabarzon and 1 from Cagayan Valley.
Demographics show that 14 of the cases are male and 1 is female, with ages ranging from 12 to 41 years.
Mpox Transmission: Different from COVID-19
Balboa emphasised that while mpox is a cause for concern, it is not spreading in the same way as COVID-19. “It is not as alarming as COVID-19 because it is not airborne. Mpox is spread by close, intimate skin-to-skin contact,” she explained. This mode of transmission is very different from COVID-19, which is spread through airborne particles.
Public Health Precautions to Prevent Mpox
Balboa urged the public to follow basic hygiene practices to prevent the spread of mpox. These include disinfecting contaminated surfaces, washing hands with soap and water, and using hand sanitizers. “Proper handwashing can kill the virus,” Balboa said, emphasizing the importance of these precautions.
Calls for Expanded Information Campaign
San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council President Francis Zamora has called on the DOH to launch a comprehensive information campaign on MPOX. He suggested that the DOH visit local government units (LGUs) and organise town hall meetings. These meetings should involve barangay officials, health workers and city health officers to ensure that the public is well informed about the disease and how to protect themselves.
Conclusion
The increase in MPOX cases in the Philippines underscores the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to health guidelines. The DOH’s proactive measures and public education efforts aim to effectively manage and contain the spread of this disease.
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