The Quezon City government announced on Wednesday that at least 41 individuals have been placed under quarantine after coming into close contact with the Philippines’ first confirmed mpox patient. The city is taking swift action to prevent the spread of the disease, which has raised significant concern nationwide.
During a press conference, Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte confirmed that the patient, a 33-year-old Filipino man, visited a dermatology clinic and a massage spa located along E. Rodriguez Avenue. The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) was immediately mobilized to trace the patient’s contacts and identify those at risk of exposure.
CESU head Rolly Cruz reported that all 41 individuals who had direct contact with the patient have been identified and placed under quarantine. This measure is part of the city’s efforts to contain the spread of mpox and protect public health. The quarantine will be strictly monitored to ensure that the virus does not spread further within the community.
In addition to the quarantine measures, the Quezon City government also ordered the closure of the massage spa visited by the patient. According to Mayor Belmonte, the spa was found to be operating without the necessary permits, which contributed to the decision to shut it down. The closure of the establishment is seen as a preventive measure to limit potential exposure to other individuals.
The Department of Health (DoH) previously reported the country’s first case of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the disease as a global health emergency. The confirmation of this case has heightened public awareness and concern, especially given that the patient had no recent travel history outside the country, suggesting local transmission.
According to the DoH, the patient began showing symptoms more than a week ago. He initially developed a fever, which was followed by the appearance of a distinctive rash. The rash was noted on the patient’s face, back, nape, trunk, and groin, as well as on the palms of his hands and soles of his feet. The DoH has emphasized the importance of early detection and reporting of such cases to prevent further transmission.
As the situation develops, the Quezon City government, in coordination with national health authorities, continues to implement measures to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of mpox within the community.