By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — An infectious disease expert advised on Saturday, August 17, that the public should not panic about Mpox, despite the increasing number of cases in Africa, Europe, and North America.

“At this point, there’s no need for panic… I believe the Department of Health (DOH) is taking the right approach by enhancing surveillance, raising awareness about this type of infection, and emphasizing that it can spread,” said Dr. Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease expert, in a radio interview.

The World Health Organization (WHO) previously declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern.

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo mentioned that the Bureau of Quarantine remains vigilant for travelers coming from and going to Africa.

The DOH reported no new Mpox cases in the country, with the total number of confirmed cases in the Philippines remaining at nine since 2023. All nine cases have fully recovered, according to the DOH report.

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