Marcos tasks DOH to monitor areas, people vulnerable to mpox

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has tasked concerned agencies to continue monitoring the areas and individuals who are considered to be mostly vulnerable to mpox (formerly monkeypox). 

"Continue surveillance especially on areas and people most vulnerable to the disease," Marcos said during his meeting with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and other officials on Tuesday.

Herbosa said those who are most vulnerable to mpox are people who are immunocompromised. 

He told Marcos that the Department of Health has recorded 10 cases of mpox since last year. 

All patients have recovered, the Health chief said. 

Despite the new case recorded, Herbosa said there was no public emergency with regard to mpox as he cited the low number of cases and the fatality rate of the disease. 

The Health secretary said the disease is not considered to be airborne.

Health officials said mpox may only be transmitted through intimate or skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected or with contaminated materials.

Herbosa further assured the President that the DOH is ready to treat and manage mpox. 

In a press conference Wednesday, Mayor Joy Belmonte said the person who recently tested positive for mpox virus went to a derma clinic and an illegal spa in Quezon City where he had close contacts.—AOL, GMA Integrated News