Philippines reports first mpox case in 2024

The Philippines recorded its first mpox case of 2024 on Wednesday, involving a 33-year-old Filipino man who visited an illegal spa and a dermatology clinic in Quezon City.

Local authorities are tracing close contacts; Mayor Joy Belmonte said that 28 out of the 41 identified individuals were placed under self-quarantine and monitored by the QC Health Department, including the masseuse and some other clients of the illegal spa.

The Quezon City government closed down the spa after discovering it lacked necessary permits, but the DOH clarified that establishments can operate safely with proper measures in place.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa assured the public that the case involves a mild variant (clade II) and not the deadly Clade 1b strain causing global concern, and there is no need to declare a public emergency due to the low number of cases and death rate.

The DOH is updating its guidelines to encourage those showing symptoms to seek medical consultation and testing, emphasizing that the health system can handle the situation.