Philippines Reports First Mpox Case of 2024

The Philippines has reported its first mpox case of 2024: a 33-year-old male with no recent travel history. The Department of Health (DOH) is awaiting test results to determine the virus strain involved. This case, the country’s tenth since 2022, emerges amid global concerns over new mpox variants and the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent declaration of a public health emergency, according to Reuters.

The patient began showing symptoms over a week ago, initially presenting with a fever. Four days later, he developed a distinctive rash affecting his face, back, trunk, groin, palms, and soles. Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, manifests with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. Although typically mild, the disease can be severe and potentially fatal, especially for children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV.

This case is notable against the backdrop of increased global vigilance. The WHO recently declared mpox a global public health emergency, the highest level of alert, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has since spread to neighboring countries, as well as Sweden and Pakistan, reports MBN. 

Albert Domingo, Spokesperson, DOH, stated that the department is closely monitoring the situation and awaiting confirmation of whether the Philippines case involves a new variant or a previously known strain.

This latest development highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and rapid response in managing mpox and similar viral outbreaks, particularly as new variants emerge and spread globally, Reuters reports.