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Friday, Jun 06, 2025
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Surge in Mpox, Rabies, and HIV Cases Raises Health Concerns in the Philippines
The Department of Health reports significant increases in cases of Mpox and HIV, while animal and human rabies cases rise in Albay.
The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines has confirmed a notable rise in Mpox cases in the National Capital Region (NCR), stating that it currently has the highest number of recorded cases in the country.
However, officials have indicated that there is no need for a lockdown in the region.
Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo clarified that while NCR has the most cases, the overall incidence of Mpox has decreased nationwide, with no specific provinces under monitoring.
Given NCR's large population of approximately 10 million, Domingo explained that a higher number of cases is anticipated in any infectious outbreak.
Health authorities have identified and isolated patients with Mpox, who have reportedly recovered from the disease.
Domingo emphasized that monitoring should focus on the number of new cases reported monthly, which shows a decreasing trend.
In a separate health concern, the province of Albay is facing an alarming increase in both animal and human rabies cases, as reported by provincial veterinary officer Dr. Pancho Mella.
According to data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, there have been 67 reported cases of animal rabies between 2022 and 2024, resulting in 17 human fatalities.
The rise in rabies cases has been marked, with 21 cases reported in 2022, 18 in 2023, and a sharp increase to 28 cases in 2024. Among the human rabies deaths, two occurred in 2022, five in 2023, and ten thus far in 2024. The analysis of early year reports is ongoing.
The Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Legazpi City has experienced an influx of residents seeking rabies vaccinations, indicating widespread concern among the public following the increase in reported cases.
Dr. Mella has called for a coordinated response involving local health units to enhance surveillance and vaccination efforts against rabies.
Moreover, rising HIV cases in the Philippines have prompted the DOH to propose declaring a National Public Health Emergency due to a 500% increase in infections.
From January to March 2025, there have been 5,101 new HIV cases reported, representing a daily average of 57 new cases and marking the highest increase in the Western Pacific Region.
The surge has been particularly significant among younger individuals aged 15 to 25, with the youngest confirmed case being 12 years old.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has voiced concern over the rapid increase, warning that without intervention, the number of people living with HIV in the Philippines could exceed 400,000.
The DOH has encouraged the public to undergo free and confidential HIV testing and has advocated for preventive measures such as condom use.
In response to the rising HIV cases, House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin expressed that declaring a public health emergency may not be necessary and instead suggested that the focus should be on making HIV treatments more accessible.
Garin acknowledged that the increase in reported cases may be attributed to improved testing and reporting practices.
She recommended enhancing awareness initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV and reducing stigma surrounding the condition.
The combined situations of Mpox, rabies, and HIV highlight ongoing public health challenges facing the Philippines, prompting urgent action from health authorities and government officials.
However, officials have indicated that there is no need for a lockdown in the region.
Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo clarified that while NCR has the most cases, the overall incidence of Mpox has decreased nationwide, with no specific provinces under monitoring.
Given NCR's large population of approximately 10 million, Domingo explained that a higher number of cases is anticipated in any infectious outbreak.
Health authorities have identified and isolated patients with Mpox, who have reportedly recovered from the disease.
Domingo emphasized that monitoring should focus on the number of new cases reported monthly, which shows a decreasing trend.
In a separate health concern, the province of Albay is facing an alarming increase in both animal and human rabies cases, as reported by provincial veterinary officer Dr. Pancho Mella.
According to data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, there have been 67 reported cases of animal rabies between 2022 and 2024, resulting in 17 human fatalities.
The rise in rabies cases has been marked, with 21 cases reported in 2022, 18 in 2023, and a sharp increase to 28 cases in 2024. Among the human rabies deaths, two occurred in 2022, five in 2023, and ten thus far in 2024. The analysis of early year reports is ongoing.
The Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Legazpi City has experienced an influx of residents seeking rabies vaccinations, indicating widespread concern among the public following the increase in reported cases.
Dr. Mella has called for a coordinated response involving local health units to enhance surveillance and vaccination efforts against rabies.
Moreover, rising HIV cases in the Philippines have prompted the DOH to propose declaring a National Public Health Emergency due to a 500% increase in infections.
From January to March 2025, there have been 5,101 new HIV cases reported, representing a daily average of 57 new cases and marking the highest increase in the Western Pacific Region.
The surge has been particularly significant among younger individuals aged 15 to 25, with the youngest confirmed case being 12 years old.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has voiced concern over the rapid increase, warning that without intervention, the number of people living with HIV in the Philippines could exceed 400,000.
The DOH has encouraged the public to undergo free and confidential HIV testing and has advocated for preventive measures such as condom use.
In response to the rising HIV cases, House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin expressed that declaring a public health emergency may not be necessary and instead suggested that the focus should be on making HIV treatments more accessible.
Garin acknowledged that the increase in reported cases may be attributed to improved testing and reporting practices.
She recommended enhancing awareness initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV and reducing stigma surrounding the condition.
The combined situations of Mpox, rabies, and HIV highlight ongoing public health challenges facing the Philippines, prompting urgent action from health authorities and government officials.
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