AMID the growing number of mpox cases in the country, the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) yesterday said it does not see the need to impose the use of face masks similar to that during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Mpox is not known to be transmitted by the airborne route, for example, through the air across rooms, marketplaces, offices, and even inside planes,” said the PSMID in a statement.
“Hence, compulsory masking in these areas or within the broader community is not necessary. Enforcing masks is not a cost-effective measure and will not prevent the spread of mpox,” it added.
The PSMID said the predominant mode of transmission of mpox is prolonged skin-to-skin contact with persons infected with the virus, such as kissing, sexual contact, and hugging with intimate partners and household members.
It added that mpox can also be transmitted by coming into contact with surfaces contaminated by material from mpox lesions, such as when sharing towels or bed linens.
“Since mpox is contagious, individuals with rashes should refrain from exposing other individuals by covering their lesions with clean gauze, avoiding close skin-to-skin contact, not sharing personal items with other individuals while there is a rash, and consulting with healthcare workers for proper assessment and management,” said the PSMID.
“They should also stay in their own dedicated room while recovering from mpox,” it added.
Recently, there have been reports by several local government units (LGUs) of mpox cases.
The Department of Health (DOH) said all cases of mpox in the country belong to Clade 2, which is the milder strain.
To date, no case of Clade Ib, which is the stronger strain, has been identified in the Philippines.
“Majority of the mpox cases were sent home and allowed to recover at home,” said DOH spokesman Albert Domingo in a televised public briefing.
