Mpox confirmed in Iloilo City, Philippines
Officials with the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) recently confirmed a case of mpox (monkeypox). The patient has recovered as all of these lesions have healed.
His five close contacts in the household did not show any symptoms. They are still under home quarantine and are ending their 21-day quarantine period until June 12.
Health workers together with the barangay and LGU continue to support the needs of the patient, his close contacts and family.
The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit together with the Disease Reporting Units in each RHU and hospital continue to surveil all notifiable diseases.
“At present, health authorities report no evidence of widespread community transmission. Nonetheless, the city government continues to implement proactive public health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all Illongos,” Iloilo City Mayor spokesperson Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal said.
According to the World Health Organization, there are two types of mpox virus: Clade I which causes more severe illness and deaths; and Clade II, which caused a global outbreak in 2022 and is associated with less severe infections.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including penis, testicles, labia, and vagina, and anus.
The CDC also said incubation period is 3–17 days. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.
The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of mpox can include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches and backache, headache, and respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough.
You may experience all or only a few symptoms, says the CDC in its website.
Typically, mpox symptoms start within 21 days of exposure to the virus, the CDC said that if you have flu-like symptoms, you will likely develop a rash 1 to 4 days later. If you have symptoms, such as a rash, visit a healthcare provider.
Infectious Diseases Doctor and Director at the University of the Philippines, Manila, Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana posted the following on Facebook:
Mpox is transmitted mainly through close contact. Only the less deadly clade II has been detected in the Philippines. Respiratory and droplet transmission is not a significant contributor to infection and there is no reason to mandate face masks at this time. But you can wear one if you want since there are respiratory viruses circulating. Wash your hands, practice safe sex and good hygiene. No need to panic, just follow DOH and your doctor's advice. Stay safe!