QUEZON CITY — The local government confirmed the first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in Quezon City, marking an escalation in the city’s public health response. This announcement comes nearly two weeks after the Department of Health registered the first case of the year in the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, the infected individual is a 37-year-old male resident of Quezon City currently receiving treatment at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila. He first showed symptoms on August 16 and was hospitalized ten days later. His tests, conducted at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City, confirmed positive on August 26. The city’s health department is monitoring 15 close contacts of the patient, who had recent local travel history but no international travel.
The city’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Division is also tracking contacts related to the nation’s first mpox case of 2024, linked to visits to Infinity Spa and Fahrenheit Café and Fitness Center, which have been temporarily closed as a precaution.
Mpox transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials. Laboratory diagnosis involves polymerase chain reaction testing of lesion samples, with a current processing time of two to three days at DOH-RITM facilities.
Quezon City has proactively responded by activating its prevention, control, and response protocols, and training healthcare workers on handling mpox cases. Mayor Belmonte has issued Executive Order 14, creating the QC Task Force MPOX to consolidate citywide efforts against the virus.
Meanwhile, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) has also prepared for potential cases, with Dr. Marlon Arcegono emphasizing the importance of vaccination for hospital staff and adherence to strict hygiene protocols to prevent transmission. He advised the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid close skin-to-skin contact, and seek professional medical care rather than relying on traditional healers.