Severe cases of monkeypox likely to affect children more — WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) said severe cases of monkeypox, a virus transmitted from animals to humans, may affect the younger age group more than others.

“Severe cases occur more commonly among children and are related to the extent of virus exposure, patient health status, and nature of complications. Underlying immune deficiencies may lead to worse outcomes,” WHO said.

“The case fatality ratio of monkeypox has historically ranged from 0 to 11 % in the general population and has been higher among young children. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%,” it added.

The Department of Health, on the other hand, said that there are no specific age groups that are specifically easily infected by the monkeypox. However, citing the same WHO data, it pointed out that people younger than 40 to 50 years old may be more susceptible to the virus “due to cessation of smallpox vaccination campaigns globally after eradication of the disease.”

Amid this threat, the DOH said there is no Philippine Food and Drug Administration-approved and authorized vaccine against monkeypox yet, but noted that smallpox vaccines may work through “cross protection,” as well as the adherence to health protocols.

“Minimum public health standards will prevent Monkeypox transmission. Ensure to wear your best-fitted mask, ensure good airflow, keep hands clean, and keep physical distance. These also protect us against COVID-19,” they said.

Health Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr. on Monday said the country has adopted a four-door strategy in intensifying border control to prevent the entry of monkeypox virus into the Philippines.

The DOH also assured it is intensifying screening at the country’s borders and ensuring that surveillance systems are actively monitoring the monkeypox situation.

It is also now working with the One Hospital Command Center on the allocation of isolation facilities amid the threat of the monkeypox virus which has now spread to at least 12 countries.

Currently, the Philippines has not yet detected any case of the monkeypox virus, but its number of confirmed cases worldwide has reached over 200 outside of countries where it is endemic, said the European Union's disease agency.

The WHO noted that symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those seen in smallpox patients before, but it is clinically less severe.

The DOH also said that the infectivity of monkeypox is reported to be high with symptomatic individuals that show either fever, rashes, or swelling of lymph nodes, and those with skin lesions. — RSJ, GMA News