DOH confirms milder MPXV Clade II case in Metro Manila

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Wednesday that the first new mpox case in the Philippines, reported on Monday, August 19, is of a milder strain known as MPXV Clade II.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that sequencing by the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) showed the virus to be from West Africa with a mortality rate of less than 1 percent to 4 percent.

The patient, a 33-year-old Filipino man from Metro Manila with no travel history outside the country, developed symptoms including fever and rashes three weeks after close intimate contact and is currently in isolation for 21 days until skin lesions heal completely.

The DOH has launched updates to guidelines ensuring a 'convenient and dignified approach' for potential cases and is conducting contract tracing efforts to prevent further spread.

Quezon City has announced improved prevention, control, and response protocols following the identification of the first mpox case in the country, emphasizing hand hygiene and seeking medical care if symptoms arise.