Mandaluyong confirms mpox case, launches contact tracing

Contact tracing is underway after the Mandaluyong local government confirmed a case of mpox in the city.

In a public advisory on Monday, the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) said it immediately launched a case investigation, contact tracing, risk assessment, and monitoring of identified close contacts.

"The situation is being actively managed," the advisory said as it asked the public to respect the patient's privacy and avoid sharing unverified information that "may cause confusion within the community."

It also urged residents to continue observing preventive measures, including washing their hands regularly and avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have unexplained rashes or skin lesions.

The public is also advised to cover coughs and sneezes properly and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or unexplained rashes or skin lesions.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease (transmitted to humans from animals) that transmits through close physical contact and typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and is usually mild but can kill.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), human-to-human mpox transmission is possible through direct contact with skin or mucosal lesions like talking or breathing, kissing, touching, hugging or sexual intercourse and also through respiratory secretions.

On Monday, DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo said the Philippines recorded 44 mpox cases from January 4 to June 13, 2026, down 79% from the 205 cases logged during the same period in 2025. — VBL, GMA News