MANILA, Philippines –The country has reported its first death linked to mpox among the 52 cases recorded since August, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa addressed the matter at a media event in Quezon City, stating that the individual did not die from mpox itself but from an underlying health condition, or comorbidity.
Herbosa did not provide specific details about the patient or the exact nature of the comorbidity but confirmed that the fatality was among the 52 reported mpox cases in the country.
As of now, 28 individuals have recovered from the virus, while 23 remain active cases, as per the latest update from the DOH.
The breakdown of mpox cases shows that 47 out of the 52 patients are male, with only five females affected by the virus.
The DOH continues to urge the public to stay vigilant and follow health protocols to mitigate the risk of infection.
The mpox virus, also known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive skin rash. Although it’s not as easily spread as COVID-19, mpox can still pose significant health risks, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems or other health conditions.
The health secretary also mentioned that there is no immediate cause for public alarm, noting the relatively low number of cases and the controlled nature of the outbreak.
