Baguio City records first Mpox case

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — After the confirmation of Baguio City’s first case of monkeypox or Mpox here, Mayor Benjamin Magalong raised an alert on Saturday night, advising the public to remain calm and to observe health precautions.

“There is no cause for panic or a lockdown,” Magalong said as he advised residents and visitors to be careful and to follow health protocols, such as the use of face masks.

He also urged them to observe physical distancing and to practice hand and personal hygiene.

Magalong, who was appointed the contact tracing czar during the COVID-19 pandemic, said buildings should have proper ventilations.

Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, Baguio City health services office chief, said the first case is that of a 28-year-old male. 

Brillantes said the man’s infection was caused by the less severe Clade II Mpox virus type and not Clade I, which is considered deadly.

She added that the patient had completed isolation and was cured on Jan. 17.

 The health department said Mpox is a viral disease often characterized by skin rashes or mucosal lesions accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes and sore throat, muscle aches and back pain, headache and low energy.

It can be transmitted among humans through direct contact with skin or mucosal lesions, such as talking or breathing, kissing, touching, hugging or sexual intercourse.

Mpox can also be contracted indirectly through contaminated bedding, clothing or linens or other objects.

The City Health Office urged the public to observe other health protocols such as covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding skin-to-skin contact or staying in crowded areas and to do frequent hand washing, among others.

It also advised those experiencing Mpox symptoms to immediately seek consultation.