Quezon City contact tracing first mpox patient – Belmonte

METRO MANILA, Philippines —The Quezon City government announced its improved prevention, control, and response protocols against mpox (previously known as monkeypox) after a non-QC resident who was in the city was identified as the first case in the country.

Since 2022, the city has established a response mechanism for addressing mpox. Nurses, doctors, and medical personnel, including healthcare workers in social hygiene and sundown clinics, have been oriented about the virus.

Likewise, the city has instituted protocols for sending specimens to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), as well as a referral system to hospitals.

The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) of the City Health Department has also organized a Quick Response Team for mpox contact tracing efforts. Personal protective equipment and other logistical needs for contact tracing are also sufficient.

On Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported the first case of mpox, a 33-year-old man residing in the National Capital Region, but has no travel history abroad.

Based on the initial information provided by DOH and further investigation by the QCESD, the patient, although not a QC resident, had visited a dermatology clinic in the city for consultation, and likewise availed of the services of a masseur in a spa.

An interview with the patient revealed that he had frequented similar spas in other cities within the same period.

The doctor, upon his clinical assessment, noticed skin lesions (rash-like) on the arms, face, trunk, back, and other parts of the patient’s body. He immediately coordinated with the barangay to transport the patient to RITM to collect specimens.

“Mabuti at naging maagap ang naging tugon ng doktor sa pasyente kaya’t naiwasan ‘yung pagkalat pa ng virus. Kasabay nito, patuloy nating paiigtingin pa ang ating sistema sa pagkontrol at pagtugon sa mpox,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

(It was a good thing the doctor responded correctly and avoided the spread of the virus, as we continue to improve our systems of response and control.)

The city government immediately conducted due diligence on the spa visited by the patient. On August 11, four days before consulting a doctor, the patient went to the Infinity Massage Spa along E. Rodriguez Avenue.

When the QC Health Department personnel conducted contact tracing, they found out that the wellness center failed to renew their business permit, violating Section 67, Article 1 of City Ordinance No. SP-91, S-93.

“Base sa aming record, bukod sa wala silang business permit, wala rin silang mga kinakailangang ancillary permits tulad ng sanitary permit, environmental clearance, at fire inspection certificate. Ilegal silang nag-ooperate, kaya mataas din ang tsansa na may iba pang ilegal na ginagawa doon,” Belmonte explained.

(Based on our records, the spa had no valid business permit including a sanitary permit, environmental clearance, and fire inspection certificate. They are illegally operating. The chance is also high that other illegal activities are happening there.)

The city’s Business Permit and Licensing Department (BPLD) ordered the temporary closure of AED Infinity Wellness Spa Inc. on Tuesday (August 20) until further notice.

Three spa workers who lived in QC and were affected by the establishment’s closure will be provided financial assistance through the QC Public Employment Service Office’s Alagang QC program.

Belmonte also called on establishments to comply with the city’s business regulations and to secure the necessary permits, to ensure the safety and well-being of QCitizens.

The QC Health Department, moreover, has advised QCitizens to follow the health protocols set by the DOH including proper handwashing and avoiding contact with people exhibiting mpox symptoms, as mpox can be transmitted to a person through sexual contact, and close or direct contact (wounds, body fluids, or sputum).