Colorized transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (teal) found within an infected cell (brown), cultured in the laboratory. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID

The Philippines has detected 2 more mpox cases in Metro Manila, both of whom tested positive for MPXV Clade II or the milder form of mpox virus.

The Department of Health said Mpox case 11 is a 37-year-old male from the National Capital Region who noticed symptoms starting August 20, 2024. 

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“A distinct rash began on his face, arms, legs, thorax, palms, and soles. Initial investigation showed that case 11 had no known exposure to any person with similar symptoms, but admitted to close, intimate, and skin-to-skin contact within 21 days before the start of his symptoms,” it said.

The new Mpox patient was admitted to a government hospital last August 22, from where a skin sample was taken and then tested at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The patient remains admitted in a government hospital.

Mpox case 12 is a 32-year-old male from NCR who noticed skin lesions (clear, fluid-filled vesicles) at his groin area last with symptoms that started last August 14, 2024, before developing a fever.  He also admitted to close, intimate and skin-to-skin contact with one sexual partner. 

The patient’s symptoms were initially managed as a case of a bacterial infection at an outpatient clinic until the patient started having pimple like lesions on the face, forehead and scalp.

“He was advised to seek consultation at a DOH hospital where a skin sample was taken last August 23. He was advised home isolation while awaiting results, and has been staying at home ever since,” DOH said.

Local government units where cases 11 and 12 are from have been informed and have the power and authority by law to disclose more detailed information including response actions, at their discretion.

The new cases bring the total case count to 12 since July 2022, with 9 cases long recovered since 2023. “Three are active cases waiting for symptoms to resolve,” it said.

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said health authorities continue to see local transmission of mpox clade II particularly in Metro Manila.

He noted Mpox moves from skin-to-skin, both during sexual encounters and also other intimate forms of skin contact.

“It is not airborne. Avoid close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact so as not to get mpox. Wash hands with soap and water. Cover your skin. Our health system will continue to detect and protect," he added.

Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2–4 weeks. The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. 

The DOH said Mpox can be transmitted to humans through close, intimate contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials like used clothes or utensils, or with infected animals. Soap and water can kill the virus. When washing contaminated materials, use gloves.

Mpox is treated with supportive care. Patients with no other illnesses may stay at home after testing, until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms, typically after 2-4 weeks.