Quezon City records first mpox case this year

Quezon City recorded its first mpox case this year, a 37-year-old male resident who is currently hospitalized at San Lazaro Hospital.

The patient exhibited symptoms on August 16 and tested positive at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on August 26.

Mayor Joy Belmonte stated that the city is closely monitoring the patient's condition and tracking his 15 contacts, all of whom are being monitored.

Quezon City has also identified contacts of the country's first mpox case this year, who visited Infinity Spa and Fahrenheit Café and Fitness Center; both establishments were temporarily closed by the city government.

The Quezon City Health Department activated its prevention, control, and response protocols for mpox, including training healthcare workers to report and handle cases.

To further streamline and strengthen the city's response to mpox, Mayor Belmonte established the QC Task Force MPOX through Executive Order 14 series of 2024, consisting of various city government departments and offices.

Belmonte also called on establishment owners to cooperate with contact tracing efforts to curb the spread of the virus and ensure the safety and welfare of residents.