2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the Philippines

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the Philippines
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Philippines
Index case	July 2022
Confirmed cases	110 (as of October 2023)
Deaths	1
Government website
Department of Health

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the Philippines is part of the global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. The outbreak in the Philippines began in July 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in the National Capital Region. Since then, the country has reported a total of 110 confirmed cases and one death as of October 2023.

Background

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, but the 2022 outbreak marked a significant spread to non-endemic countries, including the Philippines.

Timeline

July 2022

The first case of mpox in the Philippines was confirmed on July 29, 2022. The patient was a 31-year-old Filipino national who had traveled to countries with documented cases of mpox. The Department of Health (DOH) immediately initiated contact tracing and isolation protocols.

August 2022

By August 2022, the DOH had confirmed additional cases, primarily in the National Capital Region. The government issued health advisories and began public awareness campaigns to educate the population about the symptoms and transmission of mpox.

2023

Throughout 2023, the number of cases fluctuated, with occasional spikes linked to local transmission clusters. The DOH continued to monitor the situation closely, implementing vaccination campaigns and strengthening healthcare response capabilities.

Transmission and Symptoms

Mpox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progresses through several stages before crusting and falling off.

Public Health Response

The Philippine government, through the DOH, has implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These include:

• Contact Tracing: Identifying and monitoring individuals who have been in contact with confirmed cases.
• Isolation and Quarantine: Ensuring that infected individuals and their close contacts are isolated to prevent further spread.
• Vaccination: The government has procured vaccines and prioritized high-risk groups for vaccination.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on preventive measures and symptoms of mpox.

Impact

The mpox outbreak has placed additional strain on the Philippine healthcare system, which was already dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The government has worked to balance resources and ensure that both outbreaks are managed effectively.

Also see

• Mpox
• Monkeypox virus
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Public health in the Philippines