PAL: Hong Kong-bound passenger on Sept. 5 reported to have monkeypox

A passenger on board a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Hong Kong on Monday, September 5 has been reported to have monkeypox, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna has said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the airline said the passenger was on board PR300.

"We are also notifying the passengers on the flight who were in close proximity to the affected traveler," Villaluna said.

"Despite the relatively low risk of getting infected, passengers on this flight are advised to monitor their health condition and requested to seek medical attention if they are experiencing symptoms," she added.

Hong Kong on Tuesday reported that its first monkeypox case had arrived in the city on Monday. The patient had spent time in the US before going to Canada and then the Philippines before traveling to Hong Kong, where he was taken to hospital after feeling unwell.

Passengers may contact the Centre for Health Protection of the Hong Kong Department of Health.

"In line with international health protocols, we have coordinated with the health authorities in Hong Kong and sharing relevant manifest information," Villaluna said.

"We have communicated to the Philippine Department of Health about the said case," she added. —Sherylin Untalan/NB/BM, GMA News