Mpox Reported in the Philippines for the First Time in 2023
First Case Detected Post WHO Global Public Health Emergency
10th Case Overall in the Philippines
The Philippines has detected its first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in 2023, just days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a global public health emergency.
The confirmation of the new case came less than a week after the WHO declared mpox a global emergency of international concern.
The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Monday that one new mpox case had been detected, bringing the total number of cases in the Philippines to 10.
This is the first local case reported since the WHO declared mpox a global emergency.
Details of the New Case
According to the DOH, the new case is a 33-year-old male who traveled from abroad.
The patient is currently isolated and undergoing treatment.
The DOH is investigating the source of the infection and tracing close contacts of the patient.
Mpox in the Philippines
The first case of mpox in the Philippines was reported in July 2022.
Since then, there have been a total of 10 cases reported in the country.
The DOH has urged the public to be vigilant and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of mpox.
Symptoms of Mpox
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
Prevention of Mpox
There is no specific treatment for mpox, but the infection can be prevented through vaccination.
The DOH recommends the mpox vaccine for people who are at high risk of exposure to the virus, such as healthcare workers, laboratory workers, and people who have had close contact with someone who has mpox.
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