Philippines detects two new Mpox clade II cases in Manila

Mpox News: Philippines has reported two new cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox), both identified in the National Capital Region (NCR), bringing the total number of cases in the country to 12. This recent development has sparked renewed concern about the transmission of the virus, especially as both cases involve individuals with no clear link to previously confirmed cases. This Mpox News report article delves into the details of these cases, the nature of the virus, and the ongoing efforts by health authorities to manage the situation.


Philippines detects two new Mpox clade II cases in Manila

The Latest Cases: An Overview
The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the 11th and 12th cases of Mpox in the Philippines. The 11th case involves a 37-year-old male from Metro Manila who first noticed symptoms on August 20, 2024. His symptoms included a distinct rash that appeared on his face, arms, legs, thorax, palms, and soles. Despite thorough investigation, the patient had no known exposure to any person with similar symptoms. However, he admitted to having close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact within 21 days before the onset of his symptoms. He was subsequently admitted to a government hospital on August 22, where a skin sample was taken for testing at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The patient remains hospitalized.
 
The 12th case is a 32-year-old male, also from Metro Manila, who began experiencing symptoms on August 14, 2024. He initially noticed skin lesions in his groin area, which were followed by the onset of fever a few days later. Similar to the 11th case, this patient admitted to close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact with one sexual partner. He initially sought medical advice at an outpatient clinic, where his symptoms were mistaken for a bacterial infection. However, after developing pimple-like lesions on his face, forehead, and scalp, he was advised to consult a DOH hospital. A skin sample was taken on August 23, and he has since been in home isolation.
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Mpox Clade II: A Milder but Concerning Variant
Both patients were confirmed to be infected with MPXV Clade II, a variant of the Mpox virus that is considered to be milder compared to other strains. Of the 12 cases reported in the Philippines since July 2022, nine have fully recovered, while three remain active cases. The DOH reassured the public that Clade II, while less severe, still requires vigilance and appropriate measures to prevent its spread.

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family that includes the variola virus responsible for smallpox. The disease is primarily transmitted through close, personal contact, often involving skin-to-skin interaction. Common symptoms include a flu-like illness, followed by a characteristic rash that progresses through several stages before forming scabs that eventually fall off. While Mpox is rarely fatal , it can cause severe complications in certain populations, such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
 
Understanding Mpox Symptoms and Prevention
Mpox typically presents with a range of symptoms, including a skin rash or mucosal lesions that can last 2 to 4 weeks. These rashes are often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The progression of the rash, which moves through several stages before scabs form and fall off, is a key characteristic of the disease.
 
The DOH has advised that anyone can contract Mpox, particularly through close and intimate contact with an infected individual. The virus can also be spread through contaminated materials, such as clothing, bedding, or utensils, and by contact with infected animals. To prevent transmission, the public is encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, use gloves when handling potentially contaminated materials, and avoid close contact with individuals who have visible symptoms of the disease
 
The Challenge of Transmission
The DOH has noted that the recent cases highlight the continuing local transmission of Mpox in Metro Manila, particularly through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that Mpox is not airborne and that transmission typically occurs during close, personal interactions. He advised the public to avoid such contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox and to maintain good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing with soap and water.
 
The DOH also reminded the public that Mpox can be transmitted through contaminated materials, such as used clothes or utensils, and through contact with infected animals. The agency continues to advocate for preventive measures, including the use of gloves when handling potentially contaminated materials.
 
Public Health Response and Vaccine Efforts
In response to the growing number of cases, the DOH has indicated its intent to acquire smallpox vaccines, which offer some protection against Mpox. Health Secretary Herbosa mentioned that the Philippines is in the process of securing 2,000 doses of the vaccine from the World Health Organization (WHO). This effort is part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.
 
The DOH also clarified its stance on reporting cases. Although there were rumors of a suspected Mpox case in Northern Samar, the agency did not confirm this. Instead, it reiterated that it would disclose PCR-positive Mpox cases as soon as verification is complete. The DOH also pointed out that various skin diseases, such as chickenpox, shingles, or herpes, could be mistaken for Mpox, underscoring the importance of accurate diagnosis.
 
Conclusion
The recent detection of two new Mpox cases in the Philippines serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk posed by the virus, particularly in areas with local transmission like Metro Manila. While the current cases involve the milder Clade II variant, the potential for severe outcomes in vulnerable populations necessitates continued vigilance and preventive measures. The DOH's efforts to secure vaccines and provide clear public health guidance are crucial steps in managing the situation. As the situation evolves, it is essential for the public to remain informed and proactive in protecting themselves and their communities from Mpox.
 
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