Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 11:01 pm
Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Department of Health reported on Monday two new cases of the mpox virus-both belong to the milder clade 2-which raised the number of total active cases in the country to three.
Details of the New Mpox Cases
The most recent cases are a 37-year-old male from Metro Manila who had developed a rash all over his body last week and was admitted to a government hospital, and a 32-year-old male also from the capital with skin lesions. The new report comes after the country logged another case of the virus’ milder variant last week in a 33-year-old male who did not have recent travel history outside the Philippines.
Global Public Health Alert
On July 23, the WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency, its second-highest level of alert, for the second time in two years. The declaration comes amid an outbreak that started in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has since spread to its neighbors. A new variant of the virus has raised worldwide concerns because it’s easily transmitted through routine close contact.
Understanding Mpox Virus
Mpox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus characterized by flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. As explained by health professionals, the disease, though usually mild, can be fatal, especially in children, pregnant women, and people with immune deficiencies like those living with HIV. The recent increase in cases points to the continued need for vigilance and public health measures against the further spread of the virus.