Mpox in the Philippines: What You Need to Know

Stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones from Mpox.

By: Niña Caraig | August 21, 2024

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With a new case of Mpox detected in the Philippines, here's what you need to know about the illness.

Image: Pixabay

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the simian smallpox epidemic, Mpox, an "international health emergency" on August 14. This declaration came after a surge in cases of the disease in Africa.

On August 19, the Philippines announced the detection of the first monkeypox case in 2024. This marked the 10th case of monkeypox in the country overall. In light of a recent case of MPOX detected in the Philippines, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the details of this illness; stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is Mpox?

According to the WHO, Mpox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. However, it is not related to chickenpox. Smallpox is characterized by a rash or skin lesions generally concentrated on the face, hands, and feet.

How is it transmitted?

According to the WHO, Mpox spreads mainly through close contact, including skin-to-skin contact and mouth-to-mouth contact, like kissing, talking, or breathing close to someone who has Mpox.

The virus can survive on several surfaces and objects an infected person touches. Others may become infected by touching these items, especially if they have cuts or touch their face without washing their hands. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, as well as washing hands after contact, can help prevent transmission.

The virus can spread to the fetus during pregnancy, during or after birth through skin-to-skin contact, or from a parent with Mpox to an infant or child during close contact.

What are the symptoms?

Mpox can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and may require healthcare facility care. Common symptoms include:

• a rash that may last for two to four weeks;
• the rash may start with or be followed by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen glands or lymph nodes;
• the rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital, and/or anal regions;
• lesions may show in the mouth, throat, anus, rectum, or vagina, or on the eyes;
• the number of sores can range from one to several thousand, which can cause severe pain and
• inflammation of the genitals may cause difficulties urinating.

Mpox symptoms usually go away on their own with supportive care. However, they can be severe or even fatal, especially in newborns, children, pregnant individuals, and those with underlying immune deficiencies like advanced HIV disease.

How to prevent yourself from having Mpox

WHO recommends the following tips to protect yourself and others against Mpox:

• Know the signs and symptoms, how the virus spreads, what to do if you get ill, and the risk in your area or community.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has Mpox, including sexual contact.
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Any food containing animal parts or meat should be cooked thoroughly before eating.
• Avoid unprotected contact with wild animals, particularly those that are sick or dead (including their meat and blood), especially in countries where some animals have been found to carry monkeypox virus-like Africa.
• Cover wounds and wear a medical mask when interacting with other people.
• Use condoms during sex, as it will help reduce the risk of getting the infection.

Can it be cured?

Currently, there is no treatment for Mpox, and vaccines to protect against the virus are not yet available in the Philippines.

However, in most cases, Mpox usually heals on its own within a few weeks. Patients receive supportive care and symptom treatment, including paracetamol for fever, anti-itch ointment for itching, and antiviral medications for cases with comorbid conditions.

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About Niña Caraig

Niña is the Content Development Manager at Yoorekka. Prior to Yoorekka, she began her career at a publishing company. In her free time, she loves to pamper herself, go shopping, and watching movies with her friends.

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