Davao detects 2 cases of mpox Clade II

The Davao City Health Office on Friday confirmed that the city logged two cases of monkeypox (mpox) Clade II. 

In a statement, the city health office said the two patients were admitted to the isolation facility of a hospital.

However, one of the patients died "likely ....of non-mpox complications," according to the Department of Health (DOH) in a separate statement.

“The City Health Office is actively monitoring all identified close contacts, and established response measures and protocols for mpox are currently being implemented,” it said

The DOH said the cases reported in Davao are of the same Clade II variant of MPX virus.

"The level of risk remains the same as in previous months; there is no increased danger," DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said. 

Domingo also clarified that the patient who passed away "did not succumb to mpox itself."  He added the patient was in a "severely immunocompromised state and is likely to have died of non-mpox complications."

"Established Mpox response measures are working. Surveillance systems detected the cases which led to their careful isolation from the public. All identified close contacts are being monitored," he said.

"We can continue with our meaningful reflection this Good Friday and Easter weekend. Those not observing may likewise rest and recover during this public holiday," the Health official added.

Meanwhile, following the detection of mpox cases in the city, the local health office advised the public to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus such as avoiding close and intimate contact - such as sex, kissing, hugging, and cuddling with suspected patients. 

The public is also encouraged to observe frequent handwashing or use alcohol-based hand rub when hands are soiled or contaminated. 

Objects and surfaces used by infected persons must also be disinfected. 

Further, health authorities are advising everyone to avoid contact with animals, particularly mammals that may carry the virus. Signs and symptoms of mpox in animals, including pets, can include rash, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, they added. 

Davao City residents who may experience symptoms should contact the city health office’s epidemiology and surveillance unit at 09495011457 or immediately visit the nearest healthcare provider.

Among the symptoms to watch out for include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks. The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. —LDF, GMA Integrated News