The Department of Health (DOH) has issued updated guidelines to prevent, detect, and manage mpox—formerly known as monkeypox—in the Philippines.
According to the eight-page Department Memorandum No. 2024-0306, signed by Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, the public is advised to avoid close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, kissing, and hugging with individuals who are suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of mpox. If contact is unavoidable, caregivers are advised to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Secondly, the guidelines emphasize the importance of frequent and proper hand hygiene, either by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or washing hands thoroughly when contaminated.
Thirdly, all items and surfaces contaminated by the virus or touched by an infected individual must be meticulously cleaned and disinfected.
Lastly, the public is also advised to avoid contact with animals, especially those that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals found in areas where mpox is present.
All healthcare providers are mandated to maintain a “high index of suspicion” for mpox when examining individuals showing symptoms such as unexplained rashes, mucosal lesions, or lymphadenopathy.
They are also required to report any suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of mpox to the DOH within 24 hours of detection.
Suspected and probable mpox cases must undergo laboratory confirmation for the mpox virus. Close contacts should be monitored daily for signs or symptoms of the disease for 21 days following their last contact with a suspected, probable, or confirmed mpox case.
Individuals at high risk of complications, including those with severe or complicated mpox, should be admitted to the hospital.
Secretary Herbosa stated that the updated mpox guidelines were developed by Filipino experts for Filipino communities, aligning with international response efforts.