Mpox Case Confirmed in Mandaluyong City; Contact Tracing Launched

MANILA, Philippines — The Mandaluyong City government on Monday, June 29, confirmed a case of mpox, prompting health officials to launch contact tracing and other disease surveillance measures to prevent transmission. The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (Cesu) said in an advisory that it is managing the confirmed case in coordination with the City Health Office, the Department of Health Regional Epidemiology and Health Statistics Section, and other concerned agencies. Local health authorities immediately initiated case investigation, contact tracing, risk assessment, and monitoring of identified close contacts in accordance with established public health protocols. READ: Mpox: What is it, how it spreads, care for patients “The situation is being actively managed,” the advisory read, as officials urged residents to rely only on official government channels for updates. The health unit likewise reminded the public “to respect the privacy of the individual involved and to refrain from sharing unverified information that may cause confusion within the community.” “The Cesu remains committed to protecting public health through continuous disease surveillance, timely response, and transparent communication,” it said. Local health officials reminded the public to observe preventive measures against mpox, a contagious disease previously called monkeypox. These preventive measures include washing hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have unexplained rashes or skin lesions, covering coughs and sneezes properly, and maintaining good personal hygiene. Those who develop fever, swollen lymph nodes, or unexplained rashes or skin lesions were advised to seek medical consultation immediately. /mcm