DOH confirms no Clade I-b mpox strain in PH

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that the more virulent Clade I-b mpox strain has not yet been detected in the Philippines, with all existing cases being the milder Clade II variant.

DOH emphasized that mpox is not airborne, refuting claims of lockdowns being imposed and stating such measures are unnecessary.

Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo noted that while Metro Manila has logged the most mpox cases, the overall cases in the region and nationwide are declining monthly.

He added that the large population in Metro Manila naturally leads to more visible cases, but this does not necessarily indicate widespread transmission, as cases are identified, isolated, or have already recovered.

Face masks have been made mandatory in specific areas including Davao del Sur province, Cotabato province (health facilities), Compostela in Davao de Oro, and Maasin City in Leyte.

The DOH is actively collaborating with LGUs for proper medical care and is working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to remove false claims circulating online.

The latest mpox case recorded was a resident from Maco, Davao de Oro, who has since recovered, with two other suspected cases in the same area.

Another case was reported in Iloilo Province but has also recovered.