Mandaluyong confirms mpox case, launches contact tracing

National

HEALTH authorities in Mandaluyong City have intensified disease surveillance after confirming a case of mpox, prompting contact tracing and risk assessment to help prevent further transmission.

According to the Mandaluyong City government, the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) confirmed the mpox case on Monday, June 29, and is managing the situation in coordination with the City Health Office, the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Epidemiology and Health Statistics Section, and other concerned agencies.

In a report by Inquirer.net, local health officials immediately launched case investigation, contact tracing, risk assessment, and monitoring of identified close contacts in line with established public health protocols.

“The situation is being actively managed,” the city government said in an advisory, urging residents to rely only on official government channels for updates and to refrain from spreading unverified information.

Authorities also appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the patient while assuring residents that disease surveillance and response measures remain in place.

The city government reminded the public to continue observing preventive measures against mpox, including frequent handwashing, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with individuals showing unexplained rashes or skin lesions, practicing proper cough etiquette, and maintaining good personal hygiene.

Residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or unexplained skin rashes and lesions were advised to seek immediate medical consultation.

The latest case comes as the Department of Health continues to monitor mpox infections in the country. According to previous DOH reports, the Philippines has recorded 10 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases since the global outbreak began in 2022, with all infections involving the milder Clade II variant.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes mpox as a viral disease that spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, body fluids, contaminated materials, or prolonged close physical contact, including sexual contact. Symptoms typically include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and a rash that progresses through several stages before healing.

While there is currently no specific treatment approved for mpox, most patients recover with supportive care. Health officials continue to emphasize early detection, isolation of suspected cases, and prompt contact tracing to limit the spread of the disease.(Khea Raym Lubiano, PIT Comm Intern)