THE Philippines has recently confirmed new cases of Mpox, a viral illness that’s been spreading globally since 2022.
Once considered rare and geographically isolated, Mpox is now a public health concern—including here at home.
But what exactly is Mpox, and should we really be worried?
Here’s what every Filipino needs to know.
What is Mpox virus?
Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus—though Mpox is generally less severe.
The virus was first identified in 1958 during an outbreak among monkeys kept for research, which is how it got its original name. The first recorded human case occurred in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Though once confined mostly to Central and West Africa, Mpox became a global concern in 2022 after outbreaks began appearing in countries without a history of the virus.
The Department of Health (DOH) has since allayed public fears, clarifying that the Mpox cases being monitored in the Philippines are of the Clade II variant, which is considered the mild form of the disease.
What are the symptoms?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Mpox symptoms typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure. The illness usually begins with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Swollen lymph nodes (kulani)
- Chills
- Fatigue
After one to three days of fever, a rash often develops—starting on the face, genitals, or other parts of the body. The rash goes through several stages: flat red spots, raised bumps, fluid-filled blisters, and eventually scabs.
Prevention
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that Mpox prevention focuses on avoiding close contact with infected people or their belongings. Key steps include:
- Avoid touching rashes or scabs.
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Don’t share personal items like clothes or towels.
- Use protective gear when caring for someone sick.
- Isolate infected individuals until fully recovered.
While vaccines exist for Mpox in some countries, the Philippines currently does not have an authorized Mpox vaccine available.
Is there a cure for Mpox?
There is no cure for mpox for now, but isolation, proper care, and rest for up to four weeks usually suffice for recovery.
Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications while the immune system fights the virus.
