DOH's Herbosa warns vs. mpox community transmission

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Monday warned of the community transmission of the mpox after the Philippines announced its first case since the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency over the disease.

According to Joseph Morong's report on "24 Oras," the Filipino mpox case was a 33-year-old male from Metro Manila who had no history of travel abroad.

"That means the virus nandito sa Pilipinas. We had nine cases noong 2023, pero pakonti-konti yung natetest natin," Herbosa said.

"That means the mpox virus is among us, so hindi siya imported. Warning siya to everybody... So community transmission ito," he added.

The patient had a fever and rashes on the face, back, nape, body, groin, palms, and soles.

He was in a government hospital; when he was confirmed to be an mpox case on Sunday. Contract tracing is now ongoing.

Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. A zoonotic disease, Mpox is transmitted to humans from animals.

Mpox was first recorded among monkeys in 1958 and the first transmission of the virus to humans was recorded in 1970.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. However, it is not related to chickenpox.

How is it transmitted?

CDC said that this disease can be acquired through direct contact with body fluids or skin-to-skin contact, including touching the rash or hives of a person who has it.

They added that both clades can spread through "direct contact with infected animals," "close contact such as intimate or sexual contact with a person with Mpox," and by touching contaminated materials.

According to WHO, symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

"People with Mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing," the CDC said.

Patients suffering from mpox undergo an incubation period that can last from three to 17 days. During this period, the person with mpox can be asymptomatic or may not feel any symptoms, it added. 

These symptoms are similar to the symptoms manifested by the new case detected in the country, which included fever and followed by rash on the face, back, nape, trunk, groin, as well as palms and soles four days later.

How can it be prevented?

Preventions against mpox require limiting human contact, especially if one is positive for the infection.

Herbosa said that mpox-positive individuals should isolate themselves to avoid the spread of the virus. He also said it is important to wash hands always. 

Additionally, WHO recommends covering wounds and wearing a medical mask when interacting with other people. They also suggested using condoms during sex, as it will help reduce the risk of getting the infection, although it will not prevent spread from skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact.

There is still no treatment for mpox, but there are vaccines to protect you against the virus. Unfortunately, these vaccines are not yet available in the Philippines. 

Herbosa said patients with mpox would be given supportive care where their symptoms will be treated. 

"Kapag nilalagnat sila, bibigyan sila ng paracetamol. Kung may makati sa kanila, anti-kati at aalagan 'yung mga lesions nila," Herbosa said.

("When cases have a fever, they will be given paracetamol. If they itch, they will be given anti-itch ointment, and doctors will treat their lesions.") 

Doctors can also prescribe antiviral medications, especially in cases with comorbid conditions. —NB, GMA Integrated News