As of this August 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) has identified two additional mpox or monkeypox cases in the Philippines, one each in NCR and Calabarzon, bringing the active cases to five. Both cases are of the milder MPXV clade II variant, reflecting ongoing local transmission.
The latest cases involve a 26-year-old woman from NCR and a 12-year-old boy from Calabarzon, both experiencing common mpox symptoms such as fever, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. Neither had recent travel history, and both are recovering at home under local health supervision.
Monkeypox is typically found in Central and West African nations. Experts are closely monitoring the disease and raising concerns that there may have been undetected transmission as a result of the sudden increase in cases in unlikely locations. What is known so far about monkeypox is as follows:
What is Monkeypox?
The rare condition known as monkeypox or mpox is brought on by infection with the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus is a member of the same virus family as smallpox. Smallpox symptoms are similar to those of monkeypox, but they are milder, and monkeypox rarely results in death. Monkeypox and chicken pox are unrelated.
Monkeypox rash pictures source: iStock
The name refers to the research colonies of monkeys where the virus was first identified in 1958. In an effort to eradicate smallpox from the nation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported the first human case of monkeypox in 1970.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen the most infections, but cases have also been reported in a number of other central and western African nations, including Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
However, the disease is so uncommon that many countries’ medical professionals may never have to deal with it in their careers. The disease has only recently been found in many other nations besides those mentioned above.
Monkeypox virus outbreak
Given that it affects the rest of the world in addition to countries in west and central Africa, monkeypox is a disease of global public health significance.
Over 70 cases of monkeypox were brought on by this outbreak in the US. Travellers from Nigeria to Israel in September 2018, the UK in September 2018, December 2019, May 2021, and May 2022, Singapore in May 2019, and the United States of America in July and November 2021 have also been reported to have monkeypox.
Monkeypox cases were found in a number of non-endemic nations in May 2022. Studies are being conducted right now to learn more about the epidemiology, sources of infection, and patterns of transmission.
Monkeypox symptoms
Numerous monkeypox symptoms can occur, the majority of which are milder versions of smallpox symptoms. The appearance of rashes or lesions on various body parts, particularly the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, is its most obvious symptom, though. It can also show up on the arms or face.
Monekypox rash pictures source: iStock
There are additional monkeypox symptoms that are similar to the flu. They consist of:
- fever
- chills
- headache
- muscle pain
- backache
- exhaustion
- enlarged lymph nodes
- respiratory issues (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
- a rash that can resemble pimples or blisters and develop on the face, inside the mouth, as well as other body parts like the hands, feet, chest, genitalia, or anus. Before the rash completely disappears, it goes through several stages. Usually, the illness lasts two to four weeks. Sometimes the rash appears first, then the other symptoms. Some people only get a rash.
Monkeypox virus disease: How does it spread?
Most of the time, respiratory droplets are how the monkeypox virus spreads. It can be acquired from an animal, a person, or any material that has been exposed to the virus. In general, transmission is minimal.
Human-to-human transmission can happen by means of:
- close proximity
- close contact with wounds, rashes, or bodily fluids
- coming into contact with sores or rashes after coming into contact with personal items that have been exposed to the virus.
Animal-to-human transmission can happen by:
- close proximity
- nipping or grabbing
- preparing or eating contaminated meat.
- close contact with wounds, rashes, or bodily fluids
- accidentally rubbing rashes or sores (e.g. through contaminated bedding)
Monkeypox virus disease: Incubation period and treatment
It typically takes 7 to 14 days from the time of infection until the onset of symptoms, but it can also be as long as 21 days. The typical duration of monkeypox is between two and four weeks.
Mpox does not currently have a known treatment or cure. To contain an outbreak of monkeypox, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest using the smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG).
READ MORE:
What is monkeypox: Everything you need to know about this rare disease
Back to school in a pandemic? Five tips to keep kids COVID-free
Has your child already recovered from COVID-19? Here’s why you still need to bring him to his pedia
Ways to protect yourself from monkeypox virus disease
Although there is currently no known cure, you can begin defending yourself by taking steps to avoid infection.
- Steer clear of meat from animals that might be infected with the virus.
- Steer clear of any animals that might be infected.
- Regularly sanitize, especially after interacting with sick people or animals.
- When patients are found to be infected, isolate them to stop the virus from spreading.
- Wear personal protective equipment if you’re a healthcare provider or need to treat a patient who has the virus.
Monkeypox cases in the Philippines
Image source: iStock
In 2024, the Philippines continues to monitor and manage cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox) as part of its public health efforts. The Department of Health (DOH) recently reported new cases making it 5 active cases, primarily involving the milder MPXV clade II variant, which is consistent with local transmission patterns.
Most reported cases involve symptoms like fever, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and other flu-like symptoms, and patients are often treated at home under close supervision by local health authorities.
The DOH emphasizes that mpox is transmitted through close contact with an infected individual, contaminated objects, or animals. Testing is conducted via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis of skin lesions, with a turnaround time of a few days. Public health measures focus on supportive care and isolation, with ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the virus through community awareness and monitoring of close contacts.
Additional information from Marhiel Garrote and Jobelle Macayan
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