A confirmed mpox case has been reported in Mandaluyong City, the city’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) said.
In response, the City Health Office, in coordination with the Department of Health–Regional Epidemiology and Health Statistics Section (DOH-REHSS), has launched contact tracing, risk assessment, and monitoring of individuals who had close contact with the patient.
“CESU likewise reminds everyone to respect the privacy of the individual involved and to refrain from sharing unverified information that may cause confusion within the community,” the Mandaluyong CESU said in a statement.
Authorities also urged the public to observe preventive measures, including regular handwashing, avoiding close skin-to-skin contact, covering the mouth when coughing and the nose when sneezing, and maintaining proper personal hygiene.
The CESU further advised the public to seek medical consultation immediately if symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or unexplained rashes or skin lesions develop.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, according to the World Health Organization.
Common symptoms include skin rash or mucosal lesions that may last up to four weeks, along with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes, the WHO said.
Vaccines are available to help prevent mpox, the agency added.
“Mpox is treated with supportive care for symptoms such as pain and fever, with close attention to nutrition, hydration, skin care, prevention of secondary infections and treatment of co-infections, including HIV where present,” the WHO said. — Photo from Reuters
