Mandaluyong logs mpox case, DOH assures no outbreak

MANILA, Philippines – Mandaluyong City’s epidemiology and surveillance unit (CESU) confirmed a local case of mpox, a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, on Monday, June 29.

It announced in a Facebook post that they were monitoring the situation, along with the Mandaluyong City Health Department and the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Epidemiology and Health Statistics Section.

Mpox is a viral infection in the form of a rash that can spread between people, mainly through close contact. It can also be transmitted from infected animals to people.

It usually causes mild illness, including fever, headache, muscle aches, low energy, and swollen glands – and may dissipate within 2 to 4 weeks.

But if it gets transmitted to children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems, mpox can be severe and, in some cases, fatal.

While they have not revealed more information about the case, the Mandaluyong CESU said they have taken initial measures to contain the spread.

“CESU has immediately initiated the appropriate public health response, including case investigation, contact tracing, risk assessment, and monitoring of identified close contacts, in accordance with established health protocols,” they wrote.

They also encouraged everyone to respect the patient’s privacy and refrain from sharing unverified information.

No outbreak, says DOH

Meanwhile, DOH Undersecretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo assured the public that there is no outbreak or uptick in mpox cases nationwide at the moment.

“The number of mpox cases in the Philippines from January 4 to June 13, 2026 is only 44. It is 79% lower than last year’s count of 205 for the same monitoring period. While the disease has always been around, there is no outbreak or even an increase in numbers,” Domingo said through a Viber message.

He added: “The DOH does not discuss individual case circumstances to avoid stigma and to comply with data privacy laws, especially in the context of a markedly lower case count.”

As the vaccine for mpox is not yet available in the Philippines, here are some self‑preventive measures to practice at home and in social gatherings:

• Avoid people with rashes that look like monkeypox. The rash may look like pimples, blisters, or scabs and may appear on the hands, feet, chest, face, or genitals.
• Avoid contact with contaminated objects and materials, such as utensils, clothes, bedding, etc.
• Wash your hands often.

– Rappler.com