1 dead as Davao City logs 2 new mpox cases — DOH

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The Department of Health says the deceased patient died due to non-mpox complications

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) logged two new cases of mpox in Davao City, local health officials said on Friday, April 18.

The Davao City Health Office said information on the two fresh cases were relayed from the DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit on Wednesday, April 16. The patients were admitted at the Southern Philippines Medical Center’s isolation facility.

“Unfortunately, one of the patients has passed away due to complications,” the office said in a statement.

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

In an advisory, the DOH said the mpox cases detected in Davao City were the Clade II variant of the mpox virus. It also clarified that the deceased patient did not die due to mpox alone.

“Said patient was in a severely immunocompromised state and is likely to have died on non-mpox complications,” the DOH said.

It also reminded the public of common mpox symptoms, which include the following:

• Skin rash or mucosal lesions
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Back pain
• Low energy
• Swollen lymph nodes

The World Health Organization designated mpox as a global health emergency in 2024. That year, the Philippines recorded 54 cases of mpox infections.

Mpox can be transmitted through close, intimate contact, contaminated clothes and utensils, or infected animals. Health authorities advise the following steps to prevent infection:

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with those suspected or confirmed to have mpox.
• Observe frequent and proper handwashing. The DOH said soap and water can kill the virus.
• Avoid contact with animals that may carry the mpox virus. Animals with mpox often experience rashes, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite.

– Rappler.com