2 new mpox cases reported in PH; total rises to 14

DOH logo with a close-up of a hand with monkeypox symptoms.

MANILA, Philippines — Two more cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox) were reported in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.

This figure brings the total number of mpox cases to 14 since July 2022.

READ: PH logs 2 more cases of mpox

In a statement, the health department said the new cases were from Metro Manila and Calabarzon and both have the milder kind called ‘MPXV clade II.’

The MPXV clade II is a type of mpox virus that has been observed mainly in West Africa, and it has a mortality rate of less than 1 percent to 4 percent, the DOH said.

The other type, MPXV clade I, has been described in the 1980s as having a mortality rate ranging from 1 percent to 10 percent.

“Nine cases have long recovered since 2023. Five are active cases waiting for symptoms to resolve,” the DOH said.

Mpox case number 13 is a 26-year-old female from the National Capital Region whose symptoms started last August 20.

The DOH said she noticed rashes on her face and back, accompanied by fever. She also developed a sore throat and swollen neck lymph nodes.

She consulted an outpatient clinic the following day, which advised her to undergo home isolation.

Meanwhile, mpox case number 14 is a 12-year-old male from Calabarzon. His symptoms started on August 10.

He developed fever, and rashes mainly on the face, legs, trunk, and pubic area, extending to other parts of the body.

The DOH said he also had a cough and swollen lymph nodes at the groin area. Case 14 consulted a rural health unit.

“Local government units where cases 13 and 14 are from have been informed and have the power and authority by law to disclose more detailed information including response actions, at their discretion,” the DOH said.