Key points

• The Philippines confirmed its first mpox case of 2024, involving a 33-year-old man with no travel history.
• The patient exhibited fever and rashes, typical symptoms of mpox.
• The virus is under investigation to determine if it is the new, deadlier Clade 1 strain spreading in Africa.
• Mpox spreads through close contact and can be dangerous to vulnerable groups.
• The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency, with over 17,000 cases and 500 deaths reported worldwide this year.

The Philippines has reported its first mpox case this year, just days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a global health emergency. The patient, a 33-year-old Filipino man, showed symptoms more than a week ago, despite having no recent travel history outside the country. His condition has raised concerns about the virus’s potential spread within the Philippines.

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that the man began experiencing fever over a week ago, followed by a distinct rash on his face, back, and other parts of his body, including the palms and soles of his feet. The rash is a common symptom of mpox, a virus related to smallpox but generally causing milder symptoms.

The health department announced that this is the country’s 10th confirmed case since the mpox virus was first detected in the Philippines in July 2022. All previous patients have recovered, and there have been no fatalities reported from the virus in the country.

“We are awaiting the sequencing results to determine which strain of mpox is responsible for this case,” said DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo. The concern is whether this case involves the new, deadlier variant of mpox (Clade 1), which has emerged in recent outbreaks, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The WHO has declared mpox a global health emergency after a resurgence of the virus in Africa led to outbreaks in several countries. This declaration came in response to the rising number of cases in the DRC, where the virus has infected thousands and led to over 500 deaths this year alone. Clade 1, the newer strain, has spread more rapidly and with a higher fatality rate compared to the previous variant, Clade 2b, which caused global outbreaks in 2022.

Health officials emphasize that the public should remain vigilant, though the risk to the general population is still considered low. Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, and the patient’s lack of travel history suggests the virus could already be circulating within the country.

Mpox typically causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever and body aches, followed by the development of painful, pus-filled lesions. While the disease is usually mild, it can pose serious risks for vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The Philippines is ramping up testing efforts and remains in close coordination with the WHO to monitor and contain the virus. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reassured the public, saying, “Our health system is working, and we will continue to keep the public informed.”

The post Philippines reports first Mpox case this year, awaiting test results appeared first on Monkeypox meter.

Key points

• Sweden reports first case of mpox Clade 1 outside Africa
• WHO declares mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency
• Clade 1 strain associated with more severe symptoms and higher mortality
• Patient infected during travel to affected area in Africa
• DRC reports over 15,000 potential cases and 548 deaths in 2024
• Experts warn of potential for more imported cases in Europe
• Vaccines available but concerns about supply and distribution
• Swift international action needed to contain the outbreak

The patient, who visited an African area suffering from a major outbreak of mpox Clade 1, sought treatment in Stockholm. The Clade 1 variant is known to be much worse than the Clade 2 version that caused global panic in 2022.

A close contact viral infection, mpox spreads through sexual activity, skin-to-skin touch and even speaking or breathing near someone infected. It causes flu-like symptoms and painful skin rashes. In severe cases it can be fatal with about four deaths per one hundred cases.

The clade-1 strain particularly this 1b subtype found in the Swedish case shows a more severe course of disease and higher death rate. Since its emergence last September in DRC, it has spread to several African countries including Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda.

The Swedish health authorities say that this single case does not increase the risk for the general population; nevertheless, other health organizations like WHO are closely monitoring events. ECDC also outlines that there will probably be new imported cases of Clade 1 mpox reported across Europe during next weeks.

In particular, there has been a severe outbreak in Africa especially DRC. Since January this year until now there have been over fifteen thousand possible cases reported by the Minister of Health DRC with five hundred forty-eight deaths affecting all provinces within the country leading to national strategic vaccination plans and increased disease surveillance at their borders.

Health experts around the world are apprehensive about potential further spread. One instance outside Africa implies that there might be bigger outbreaks than previously anticipated — Dr Jonas Albarnaz (Pirbright Institute). Dr Brian Ferguson (University of Cambridge) calls it a “concerning development,” but he also added that this is not altogether surprising given the seriousness of the outbreak on the continent.

The WHO’s emergency declaration is intended to galvanise increased international support for the affected areas. Although vaccines are available for those at highest risk or in close contact with infected individuals, experts are concerned about insufficient vaccine supplies and funds to reach these high-risk populations.

It should be noted that mortality rates from this strain might be lower in countries with advanced healthcare systems such as Sweden compared to some parts of Africa. However, there remains concern over further spread since currently, there are no effective measures to prevent imported cases.

ECDC points out that 6-13 days after infection symptoms usually start with fever and headache followed by rashes or sores and muscle pain. Most people suffer only mild or moderate illness and recover fully, although those with weaker immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.

As with previous disease outbreaks, rapid international action will be key in containing the spread of this more dangerous mpox strain. Global health authorities are now ready and warned against any delayed response following an outbreak.

The post Sweden reports first case more sever Mpox strain outside Africa appeared first on Monkeypox meter.