THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported three additional cases of mpox, bringing the total number to 17.
In a statement, the DOH reported that there are now eight active cases in the country, all detected after mpox was declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) last August 14.
“Mpox surveillance systems report three more confirmed mpox cases – two in Metro Manila, and another in the Calabarzon,” said the DOH, adding the three cases have the milder MPXV Clade II.
“We continue to be on guard for Mpox Clade Ib,” it said.
The health department said mpox Case 15 is a 29-year-old male from the National Capital Region (NCR), whose symptoms started August 21 with rashes on his upper lip, arm, and anal area, while also having swollen neck lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle pain, and weakness, followed by fever.
The patient opted to have teleconsultation, where he disclosed that he had anonymous sexual encounters before the onset of the symptoms and that he did not travel within 21 days before the start of symptoms.
He is under home isolation and has one close contact.
The DOH said mpox Case 16 is a 34-year-old male also from Metro Manila. His symptoms started on August 27 when he had rashes and blisters in his arms, and genital and anal areas, as well as cough, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in his groin area.
He did not travel anytime 21 days before the symptoms started but had sexual contact with three partners.
The patient was admitted after he underwent consultation but has since been discharged to complete isolation at home.
On the other hand, the DOH said mpox Case 17 is a 29-year-old male from Calabarzon who started having a fever on August 19, followed by rashes (vesicles) on his face, thorax, arms, legs, and soles, as well as headache, muscle pain, and swollen neck lymph nodes.
He did not travel within 21 days before the start of symptoms but had close intimate contact with one sexual partner, who may have had the same skin symptoms.
Case 17 has two household close contacts, with other details still being verified.
Prior to the three new cases, five others were earlier reported by the DOH as confirmed mpox cases.
The first nine cases have long recovered way back in 2023, said the DOH.
With the newest cases likely having acquired the virus through sexual contact, the DOH reiterated its call to the public to avoid risky close and intimate, including sexual, contact with someone who is infectious.
“Prevention is also clear: avoid intimate contact, especially anonymous ones with multiple sexual partners,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
The DOH said transmission may also happen through contaminated materials, such as used clothes or utensils, or through infected animals.
