Manila Times
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Wednesday, Jun 04, 2025
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Philippines Reports First Mpox Case in Aurora as Health Officials Respond to Rising Concerns
The Department of Health clarifies misinformation regarding lockdowns as cases of Mpox increase across the country.
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines announced that there is currently no basis for implementing lockdowns in response to Mpox, a viral disease previously known as monkeypox.
This clarification comes amid circulating misinformation on social media suggesting an imminent lockdown due to rising case numbers.
Health authorities emphasized that Mpox is not an airborne disease, which has been a source of confusion.
As of April 2025, over 50 confirmed cases of Mpox were reported, which the DOH noted is fewer than the cases recorded in the previous month.
The agency stated that the rise in reported cases is largely attributed to increased awareness and the active reporting by local government units (LGUs) rather than a significant outbreak.
From January 2024 to the present, the total number of reported Mpox cases in the country has reached 911.
Officials highlighted that it is crucial to analyze the epidemic curve rather than the total number of cases to avoid misinterpretations of the situation.
In an interview, a DOH representative pointed out that, for instance, while over 200 cases were reported as possible Mpox in September 2024, subsequent investigations revealed that the actual number of Mpox cases was fewer than 20 after distinguishing them from cases of chickenpox.
In a related health update, the Aurora Provincial Health Office confirmed the province’s first Mpox case, identifying a resident who has tested positive for the disease.
The specific location of the patient has not been disclosed, and health officials are currently monitoring their condition.
Contact tracing efforts are underway for individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person.
Health officials in Aurora have urged the public to exercise caution and follow health protocols to prevent further spread of the virus, particularly as travel continues across various communities.
Symptoms of Mpox include skin rashes or lesions, fever, muscle aches, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Individuals exhibiting symptoms are advised to wear masks, avoid close contact with others, and seek medical attention at nearby health centers.
Amid these developments, the DOH also reported a 32 percent decrease in rabies cases in the year 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating a positive trend in managing other infectious diseases within the region.
This clarification comes amid circulating misinformation on social media suggesting an imminent lockdown due to rising case numbers.
Health authorities emphasized that Mpox is not an airborne disease, which has been a source of confusion.
As of April 2025, over 50 confirmed cases of Mpox were reported, which the DOH noted is fewer than the cases recorded in the previous month.
The agency stated that the rise in reported cases is largely attributed to increased awareness and the active reporting by local government units (LGUs) rather than a significant outbreak.
From January 2024 to the present, the total number of reported Mpox cases in the country has reached 911.
Officials highlighted that it is crucial to analyze the epidemic curve rather than the total number of cases to avoid misinterpretations of the situation.
In an interview, a DOH representative pointed out that, for instance, while over 200 cases were reported as possible Mpox in September 2024, subsequent investigations revealed that the actual number of Mpox cases was fewer than 20 after distinguishing them from cases of chickenpox.
In a related health update, the Aurora Provincial Health Office confirmed the province’s first Mpox case, identifying a resident who has tested positive for the disease.
The specific location of the patient has not been disclosed, and health officials are currently monitoring their condition.
Contact tracing efforts are underway for individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person.
Health officials in Aurora have urged the public to exercise caution and follow health protocols to prevent further spread of the virus, particularly as travel continues across various communities.
Symptoms of Mpox include skin rashes or lesions, fever, muscle aches, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Individuals exhibiting symptoms are advised to wear masks, avoid close contact with others, and seek medical attention at nearby health centers.
Amid these developments, the DOH also reported a 32 percent decrease in rabies cases in the year 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating a positive trend in managing other infectious diseases within the region.
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