The Philippines has reported its first case of Mpox (Monkeypox) in 2024, sparking concern among health officials.
The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the case on Monday, noting that it involves a 33-year-old Filipino male with no recent history of international travel.
This marks the tenth laboratory-confirmed Mpox infection in the country.
The man’s symptoms began over a week ago, initially presenting as a fever, which was soon followed by a characteristic rash appearing on various parts of his body.
On Sunday, a government hospital confirmed that the individual had tested positive for the Monkeypox virus, with subsequent tests revealing viral DNA.
The patient is currently under close medical supervision as health authorities await the sequencing results to determine if this case involves the Clade 1b variant—a highly dangerous strain currently causing global concern.
The Clade 1b variant has been linked to significant mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has recently been identified in Sweden and Pakistan.
In response to this potential threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the surge in Mpox cases a public health emergency of international concern, the highest alert level the organization can issue.
Health Secretary has assured the public that the Philippine health system is prepared to manage the situation.
The DOH is actively updating its guidelines and urges individuals who exhibit symptoms such as fever or unusual rashes to seek immediate consultation and testing.
This case follows the last recorded Mpox infection in the Philippines, which occurred in December 2023.
As the nation remains vigilant, the health department continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and swift response in preventing further spread of the virus.
