In 2024, the Philippines records 52 instances of the monkeypox virus.
Philippines Sees Decline in Mpox Cases, Mainly Affecting Specific Regions
Looking at the current state of mpox cases in the Philippines, we're seeing a significant drop with just 52 cases reported this year as of December 2022. The majority of these afflicted individuals are males, ranging in age from 6 to 66.
Metro Manila leads the pack with 33 recorded cases, followed by the Calabarzon region with 13, Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley each reporting 3 cases, and one case coming from Central Visayas. Unfortunately, one death occurred, but the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that it was not due to mpox.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated during a press conference on December 17, 2022, that the mpox cases weren't epidemiologically linked. He added that the potential link between 30% of the cases and HIV-positive individuals suggests that those affected have weaker immune systems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes mpox as an infectious disease that causes a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue. It has been around for a while, but the recent outbreak of a deadlier strain in Congo prompted the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern in 2021.
The Philippines reported its first mpox case of the year in August 2022, just a week after the WHO's declaration. Mpox is primarily spread through close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact and does not spread as easily as COVID-19, which is an airborne virus.
To prevent the spread of mpox, individuals displaying symptoms are advised to consult with a dermatologist for testing and referral to isolation facilities if they test positive. Those who test positive are treated with supportive care and are encouraged to isolate at home if they don't have any other health concerns.
Notable regional findings this year include Maguindanao del Norte and other parts of Mindanao, Laguna in the Calabarzon region, and Iloilo City in Western Visayas. The cases in Iloilo City have been stable, with ongoing monitoring to determine whether community transmission has occurred.
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- To better understand the health-and-wellness implications of the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Philippines, particularly with regards to specific medical-conditions like HIV, one could delve deeper into scientific research and studies about the correlation between immune system weakness and mpox susceptibility.
- In light of the recent decline in mpox cases in the Philippines and the ongoing discussions about potential links to medical-conditions such as HIV, it would be beneficial to prioritize science-based education and resources focusing on health-and-wellness, promoting awareness and prevention strategies for at-risk populations.
