BAGUIO CITY – The City Health Services Office reported the second case of Monkeypox or ‘mpox’ in Baguio City.
It can be recalled that on January 17, the first case of mpox was detected from a 28-year-old man who underwent isolation and after a few days, he recovered and is now recovering.
According to the CSHO, the second laboratory-confirmed case of Mpox was reported to the DOH on January 18 from a 22-year-old man, a resident of Baguio, who has no travel history outside the Philippines but had close contact two weeks before the onset of symptoms.
They said the patient sought consultation at a private hospital, where specimens were taken from skin lesions and sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
PCR test results showed that the specimens tested positive for Monkeypox viral DNA, indicating that his infection was also caused by the less severe Clade II strain, the same as the first Mpox case in the city.
The CHSO said the patient was discharged from the hospital on January 21 and went straight to home isolation.
The patient has two identified close contacts who are asymptomatic but have been advised to home quarantine until February 6, while the other is advised to quarantine until February 24.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong and City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes told the public that there is no reason to panic, however, they strongly reminded the public to practice routine health protocols such as frequent hand washing, wearing face masks, and physical distancing especially in crowded places.
“There is no need to panic. We just need to wash our hands frequently, wear long sleeves or jackets, avoid exposure to people because Mpox can be acquired through the skin or through contaminated objects like bedding, towels, etc.” Dr. Brillantes stated.
Since both cases were found to have a history of close intimate contact, the CHSO also emphasized that Mpox can be transmitted through close contact activities such as prolonged exposure, kissing, hugging, and close contact with an infected person.
Flu-like symptoms appeared, with body aches, chills, and fatigue. A peculiar rash on the palms, face, arms, thorax, and back followed.
With the upcoming large gatherings and celebrations in the city, such as Panagbenga, the CHSO reiterated that there is no cause for alarm because the virus is not transmitted like the COVID-19 virus, but still calls for the observation of precautionary measures to prevent spread and transmission.
According to the Department of Health, a total of 52 cases of Mpox were recorded in various parts of the country in December 2024.
