MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines recorded a total of 52 mpox cases this year, a majority of whom have already recovered, the Department of Health said.

According to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Metro Manila logged 33 cases, followed by Calabarzon with 13, Central Luzon with 3, Cagayan Valley with 2, and one from Central Visayas. One died, although the DOH clarified that it was not due to mpox.

“Hindi sila (They are not) epidemiologically-linked,” Herbosa said in a press conference on Tuesday, December 17.

“’Pag may nakuha kaming case, lahat ng contact tracing namin sa kanila hindi nagpositive…. Ang theory namin dito kasi, 30% are people living with HIV, that means, ito ‘yung mababang immunity na tinatamaan,” he added.

(Whenever we get a case, none of those we tested via contact tracing turned out positive…. Our theory is, since 30% are people living with HIV, that means, these are individuals with a weak immune system.)

A majority or 47 of the mpox patients this year are male. Their ages ranged from 6 to 66.

The World Health Organization describes mpox as an “infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and low energy.” It has been around for decades, although the recent outbreak of a deadlier strain in Congo prompted the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern.

The Philippines announced the detection of a new mpox case this year in August — less than a week after the WHO’s declaration.

Health authorities said mpox is transmitted mainly through close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact. It does not spread as easily as COVID-19, an airborne virus.

The DOH had advised individuals who were showing symptoms to consult with a dermatologist who would then refer them to get tested.

Those who tested positive for mpox have been advised to isolate at home if they have no other health concerns as the DOH said that it is “treated with supportive care.” – Rappler.com