DOH: Mpox cases in Phl still mild

The Department of Health (DOH) reported Tuesday, 17 June, that the mpox (monkeypox) situation in the Philippines remains unchanged and under control.

In a message to reporters, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo confirmed that all mpox cases in the country are of the Clade II variant, which is known to be milder and self-healing, unlike the more severe Clade 1b, which carries a higher risk of death.

"All [local government unit] reports have been accounted for, with more suspect, probable, and confirmed cases tallied in 2024 than 2025,” Domingo said.

The update comes after Bacolod City logged its first confirmed mpox case on 14 June. In an advisory, the City Health Office assured the public that the patient is in stable condition and is receiving appropriate medical care and monitoring at a designated health facility.

Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through close contact with an infected individual or contaminated objects. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a progressive rash.

As of December 2024, there have been 52 confirmed mpox cases in the Philippines, with no recorded fatalities.

The DOH reiterated that it is closely monitoring the situation and that there is currently no cause for public alarm.