Community organization LoveYourSelf Inc. recently opened a free hotline for mpox concerns and telemedicine consultations.

"Kaya po kami nag-launch ng mpox hotline ay dahil karamihan po ng nadi-diagnose sa ibang bansa ay kabilang din sa cases na nagkakaroon ng [human immunodeficiency virus] (That's why we launched the mpox hotline because most of those diagnosed in other countries are also among the cases that have HIV)," Danvic Rosadiño, head of programs and innovations of LoveYourSelf PH, explained during the sidelines of a media forum hosted by the Department of Health (DOH).

"Kaya po kami nag-launch ng hotline ay para mailapit yung serbisyo sa kanila. Although mababa pa naman yung cases, mas magandang naaagapan na natin agad-agad (We launched the hotline to bring our service closer to them. Although the cases are still relatively low, it's better that we take care of them right away)," Rosadiño added.

He said that those who would show symptoms would be referred to apex hospitals such as San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and Philippine General Hospital.

The DOH earlier warned that one of the ways to acquire mpox is through sexual contact.

Rosadiño also advised the public to avoid crowded places as much as possible. Or if they can't, wear at least a layer of protection, such as face masks.

On Wednesday, the Health department reported two more mpox cases, bringing the active cases to five.

Common mpox symptoms are skin rashes or mucosal lesions which can last two to four weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

It can be transmitted through close contact with someone who has mpox, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.