MPOX composite image from AP and Inquirer stock photos
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Baguio City has detected its second mpox case (formerly known as Monkeypox) case, more than a week after its first case recovered, the city鈥檚 public information office (PIO) reported on Saturday.
Baguio City PIO, quoting Baguio City Health Services Office (CHSO) in its statement, said that 鈥淸t]he case is a 22-year-old male, Baguio resident, with no travel history outside the Philippines but with close contact two weeks before the onset of symptoms.鈥�
The CHSO noted that the 22-year-old male experienced flu-like symptoms, body malaise, chills, fatigue, and rashes on palms, face, arms, thorax, anorectal genitals, and back area.
READ: Baguio folk urged to mask up following city鈥檚 first mpox case
It added that the infection was caused by Clade II type, or the milder type of the mpox, which is the same with the first recorded mpox case in the city. The case was then reported to the Department of Health on January 18.
The CHSO also mentioned that the patient has two identified close contacts who are both asymptomatic and were advised to undergo quarantine until February, and the other one on February 24.
City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said that the second detection of the infection should not cause any panic, emphasizing the importance of proper hygiene and health measures.
READ: 52 mpox cases in PH reported this year 鈥� DOH
鈥淭here is no need for panic. We just have to do frequent hand-washing, use long sleeves or jackets, avoid exposure to crowd as Mpox can be contracted through skin contact or through contaminated things such as bedding, towels, and the like,鈥� Brillantes said in the same statement.
The CSHO also reiterated that while there are upcoming large gatherings and celebrations, 鈥渢here is no cause for alarm as the virus is not as transmissible as the COVID-19 virus鈥� underscoring that observation of precautionary measures can help prevent the spread of the disease.