Philippines: Baguio City reports 1st mpox case
According to a post from the Baguio City Health Services Office, Mayor Benjamin Magalong alerted the public to observe health precautions as the city records its first case of monkeypox or mpox, a viral disease often characterized by rashes or blisters.
The mayor said that while there is no cause for panic or a lockdown, the public is advised to be careful and to follow the usual health protocols like the use of face masks and observance of physical distancing, hand and personal hygiene and proper ventilation.
The Baguio City Health Services Office under City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said the city's first case is a 28-year-old male. His infection was caused by the less severe Clade II mpox virus type and not Clade I which is considered deadly.
The patient had completed isolation and was cured on Jan. 17, 2025.
According to the Dept. of Health (DOH), the mpox virus can have "human-to-human transmission through direct contact with skin or mucosal lesions" like "talking or breathing, kissing, touching, hugging or sexual intercourse and also through respiratory secretions."
Philippines: Eastern Visayas reports dramatic increase in dengue in 2024
It can also be contracted indirectly through contaminated bedding, clothing or linens or other objects.
The symptoms include skin rash or mucosal lesions accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes and sore throat, muscle aches and back pain, headache and low energy.
Health protocols must be observed to avoid infection like covering mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding skin-to-skin contact and staying in crowded areas, frequent hand washing, maintaining good airflow, among others.
Those with symptoms must immediately seek consult.
Philippines reports more than 7,200 leptospirosis cases year to date