By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that mpox virus — formerly called monkeypox — can be treated, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday (19 Aug 2024) ruled out border control since the patient in the 10th case had no travel history outside the country.
The DOH disclosed that the patient is a 33-year-old Filipino male “with no travel history outside the Philippines but with close, intimate contact three weeks before symptom onset.”
“Hindi naman siya nag-travel. That means itong virus ay nandito sa Pilipinas. We had nine cases in 2023 pero pakonti-konti ang nate-test. So that means the mpox virus is among us. So hindi siya imported. Nandito siya. Warning ‘yan to everybody,” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said.
It was learned that the patient’s symptoms started more than a week ago with a fever.
Four days later, he developed a distinct rash on the face, back, nape, trunk, and groin, as well as on palms and soles, the DOH said.
Stressing there’s no need to panic, the DOH noted that the ninth mpox case in the Philippines was detected in December 2023, and that all previous cases had recovered.
ia/mnm
