Even though more people in the Philippines are getting sick with monkeypox (also called Mpox), the Department of Health (DOH) says everything is still under control. They also said that the country is not included in the health emergency list made by the World Health Organization (WHO).
So, what’s happening?
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a radio interview that, yes, there are some new Mpox cases popping up in certain places, but don’t worry — there were even more cases last year than this year.
“The number of Mpox cases we’re seeing now is still lower than in 2024,” Herbosa said.
“We’re working hard to teach people about it, and we’re making sure treatment and isolation (separating the sick from others) are done to stop the spread.”
Where are these cases?
Secretary Herbosa didn’t say exactly which cities or towns had the new cases. But he did say that the type of monkeypox spreading in the Philippines is a mild one called Clade II. This kind doesn’t make people as sick, and in most cases, people get better on their own without needing strong treatment from the government.
What’s the WHO talking about?
The WHO is more worried about a different type of monkeypox — the Clade Ib variant. That one spreads more easily, especially through close physical contact, including sexual contact, and it can be more dangerous.
But again, the Philippines is NOT on that emergency list, because we only have the milder Clade II type so far.
Bottom line:
There are some monkeypox cases in the Philippines, but the situation is under control. The DOH is working to keep everyone safe, and the country is not part of the international health emergency. So don’t panic — just stay informed and safe!
