Philippines grapples with rising Mpox Clade 2b cases as Quezon City records first infection and Cebu reports 6 new suspected cases
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 02, 2024 1 week, 6 days, 19 hours, 7 minutes ago
Mpox News: The Emergence of Mpox in Quezon City
Quezon City has confirmed its first case of mpox (previously known as monkeypox), marking a critical moment in the city’s public health landscape. The case comes just two weeks after the Department of Health (DOH) announced the country's first mpox case for 2024. The patient, a 37-year-old male resident of Quezon City, is currently receiving treatment at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila after testing positive for the virus on August 26.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1978580/quezon-city-reports-1st-mpox-case
Philippines grapples with rising Mpox Clade 2b cases as Quezon City records
first infection and Cebu reports 6 new suspected cases
Initial Response and Case Monitoring
The Quezon City Health Department’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) quickly launched an investigation into the case. The patient, who began exhibiting symptoms on August 16, was admitted to the hospital six days later. Despite the patient’s recent local travel history, it remains unclear where the virus was contracted. Mayor Joy Belmonte assured the public that the city is taking all necessary precautions, stating, “We are closely monitoring the condition of our resident and have identified his 15 contacts, who are also being continuously monitored.”
In addition to monitoring the first case, QCESD is also keeping tabs on individuals who may have been exposed at the Infinity Spa and Fahrenheit Café and Fitness Center, which were visited by the country’s first mpox case of 2024. Both establishments have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
Rise in Mpox Cases Across the Philippines
The Quezon City case is part of a broader trend of increasing mpox cases in the Philippines. The country reported three new cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases to eight for the year. Two of these cases were identified in Metro Manila, and one in the Calabarzon region. These new cases involve the milder MPXV clade II variant, which has been the predominant strain during the global outbreak that began in 2022.
Since the initial detection of mpox in the country in July 2022, a total of 17 cases have been reported. Nine of these have recovered since 2023, while five remain active. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to classify the global mpox situation as a "public health emergency of international concern," highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
Preventative Measures and City Preparedness
In response to the growing threat, Quezon City has activated its prevention, control, and response protocols. Healthcare workers across the city have undergone extensive training to manage and report mpox cases effectively. Mayor Belmonte has called on local business owners to cooperate fully with the city’s contact tracing efforts to prevent further spread of the virus.
To bolster its response, the city government established the QC Task Force MPOX through Executive Order 14. This task force consists of various city government departments and offices working together to streamline efforts to contain the virus.
Manila Hospital’s Preparedness and Public Advisory
Meanwhile, the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) has assured the public of its readiness to handle mpox cases. Dr. Marlon Arcegono, vice chair of the Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Unit, stated that the hospital is requesting mpox vaccines from the DOH to protect frontline workers, particularly those in the emergency room and dermatology departments.
Dr. Arcegono told mainstream media and
Mpox News journalists, “We are committed to being fully prepared and equipped to respond effectively if mpox cases are detected.” He also advised the public to practice good hygiene, including taking a bath after returning home and wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and jackets to minimize skin-to-skin contact.
Nationwide Vigilance and Public Health Recommendations
The OMMC has issued a strong advisory urging the public to exercise caution and avoid skin-to-skin contact with others, as mpox is primarily transmitted through direct contact rather than airborne means. Dr. Arcegono also warned against consulting herbal doctors or quack healers, stressing the importance of seeking proper medical treatment from qualified professionals.
Six New Suspected Mpox Cases In Cebu
In Cebu, the Mandaue City Health Office has reported six suspected mpox cases. These individuals have been advised to undergo home isolation while awaiting test results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The city is on high alert, with health officials encouraging residents to adhere to isolation protocols to prevent the virus from spreading further.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/593210/6-suspected-cases-of-mpox-in-mandaue-city-cebu
Understanding Mpox: Symptoms and Transmission
Mpox, first identified in 1958, is a viral disease that belongs to the same family as smallpox but generally causes milder symptoms. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incubation period for mpox is typically 3 to 17 days. Symptoms include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, and a characteristic rash that can appear on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, and near the genitals.
The rash progresses through several stages, including scabbing, before healing. It can resemble pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. While the disease is self-limiting in most cases, individuals with compromised immune systems or other underlying conditions may experience more severe symptoms.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead for the Philippines
As the Philippines continues to grapple with the rising number of mpox cases, public health officials and local governments are working tirelessly to contain the virus and protect communities. The swift response from Quezon City, Manila, and Cebu highlights the critical importance of early detection, effective contact tracing, and public cooperation in managing the spread of mpox.
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Mpox News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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