The Department of Health (DOH) has reported confirmed Mpox (Monkeypox) cases in multiple areas in the Philippines, with five confirmed cases reported August 19-28, 2024. The Philippines reported nine confirmed Mpox cases from July 2022 to December 2023, of which five were reported in 2023. Cases identified this year have been reported in Metro Manila and Calabarzon. Health officials confirmed that these cases were the milder clade II of the virus, which has been circulating in the Philippines since 2022.
The DOH has implemented comprehensive protocols to manage potential Mpox cases. These include early detection, isolation, and contact tracing to prevent the virus from spreading. The DOH also regularly updates the public and healthcare providers to ensure everyone remains informed and prepared. For the latest advisories and detailed guidelines on Mpox, refer to the DOH’s official advisory.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. There are two main clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). The global Mpox outbreak in 2022-2023 was caused by the clade IIb strain.
Mpox belongs to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. Although Mpox is generally less severe than smallpox, it can still lead to significant health issues, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Symptoms of Mpox
Mpox typically begins with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Within a few days, a rash develops, usually starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash goes through several stages, from red spots to blisters, eventually forming scabs that fall off.
Swollen lymph nodes may also occur, helping to distinguish Mpox from other similar viral infections like chickenpox.
The risk of contagion starts one to four days before symptoms appear, which can begin anywhere from one to 21 days after exposure.
How is Mpox Spread?
Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials like bedding. The virus can also be transmitted during pregnancy from mother to fetus or a newborn during or after birth. While Mpox is less contagious than some other viral infections, it can spread quickly in settings where close contact occurs, such as within households.
Preventive Measures
To protect yourself and your loved ones from Mpox, consider the following preventive measures:
Good Hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water is essential, especially after contact with sick individuals or animals. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can also be effective.
Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from individuals showing symptoms of Mpox. According to Department Memorandum No. 2024-0306, the DOH advises against intimate, skin-to-skin interactions—such as sexual contact, kissing, hugging, or cuddling—with individuals suspected, probable, or confirmed to have Mpox. If you need to care for someone who is sick, use protective gear such as gloves and masks.
Disinfect Surfaces and Objects: The DOH also urged the public to thoroughly clean and disinfect any objects or surfaces that might be contaminated with the virus or have been touched by an infected person.
Caution with Animals: The DOH advises the public to steer clear of animals, particularly mammals, that might carry the Mpox virus, including sick or dead animals found in affected areas. It's also important to avoid handling wild animals or consuming bushmeat, as these practices can lead to the transmission of Mpox from animals to humans.
Travel Safe: The DOH advises travelers to stay informed about the risk and prevalence of Mpox in their destination countries. Travelers should follow health protocols set by health authorities, transport operators, and airport or seaport terminal management, both in the Philippines and abroad. It's also crucial for travelers to provide truthful and accurate information on health declaration forms required at airports and seaports. If feeling unwell or experiencing Mpox symptoms, they should immediately seek assistance from on-duty health personnel.
PPE Guidelines for Healthcare Workers: All healthcare personnel in public and private facilities, as well as medical transport vehicles, must strictly follow their facility’s Infection Prevention Control measures. This includes wearing proper PPE when caring for suspected, probable or confirmed Mpox cases. The required PPE includes a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator or equivalent, disposable long-sleeved, fluid-resistant gowns, eye protection like goggles or face shields, single-use gloves to be discarded after each patient interaction, and dedicated footwear that can be decontaminated.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest updates from reliable sources like DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mpox in Children and Seniors
Children and seniors are particularly vulnerable to Mpox due to their generally weaker immune systems. In children, the infection may lead to more severe symptoms, including dehydration from fever or difficulty managing the rash. Seniors, especially those with underlying health conditions, may also experience more severe complications if infected.
Given their increased vulnerability, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to monitor symptoms closely in these populations and seek medical advice promptly.
Treatment and Vaccination
There is no specific treatment for Mpox, but symptoms can be managed with supportive care. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed. The smallpox vaccine has also been shown to be effective in preventing Mpox, and vaccination may be recommended for those at higher risk, such as healthcare workers or close contacts of confirmed cases.
While the risk of Mpox in the Philippines remains low, staying vigilant is crucial, especially for vulnerable groups like children and seniors. By following preventive measures and seeking timely medical advice, we can protect ourselves and our communities.
If you or someone you know develops symptoms, especially children or seniors, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Contact a healthcare provider via telemedicine at the first signs of illness. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent the virus from spreading. Telemedicine offers a safe way to receive timely care without risking further exposure to others.
You can consult accredited doctors online, such as general practitioners, family medicine doctors, pediatricians, dermatologists, and infectious disease specialists, through the Doctor Anywhere app. Our healthcare providers are available 24/7 on-demand or by appointment, even on weekends and holidays.
Download the Doctor Anywhere app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store to create an account. If your child needs to consult online, create a separate account for them. In the absence of an ID, please use their birth certificate and the "Registry number" as their ID number. To learn more about kid’s health issues and the support services that are available, visit https://www.doctoranywhere.ph/children-health.
Our general practitioners are available 24/7, either on-demand or by appointment. Use *promo code DACONSULT30 to save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a general practitioner.
We also offer a wide range of specialists, including pediatricians and ophthalmologists, available daily by appointment, even on weekends and holidays. Use **promo code DAEXPERTCARE to save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a specialist.
Have an HMO or health insurance? Link your membership account for fully covered video consultations for you and your dependents. Doctor Anywhere’s accredited health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance providers include COCOLIFE Healthcare, EastWest Healthcare, Etiqa, Fortune Life, Forticare, Generali, Health Maintenance, Inc. (HMI), iCare (Insular Health Care), Lacson & Lacson Insurance Brokers, Manulife HealthFlex, Manulife China Bank HealthFlex, Maxicare, Medicare Plus, and WellCare Health Maintenance. Tap here to learn more about Doctor Anywhere’s HMOs and insurance partners.
Make the most out of your doctor appointments! Here are a few reminders to keep in mind before your video consultations: https://dranywhr.ph/consultation-reminders.
One-time use per account for the first video consultation. Valid for new Doctor Anywhere users who haven’t had a video consultation yet. Promo runs from Jan. 10, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-182380 Series of 2023. **Promo runs from May 1, 2024 - Apr. 30, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-192282 Series of 2024.
Sources:
Comments