CONTACT US: Sales: 0908 8145876 | 0908 8145870 || Accredited Hospitals: 0917 8834111 | 0908 8145874 || Cebu Office: 0912 474 3930 | 0967 340 3743
CONTACT US:
Sales: 0908 8145876 | 0908 8145870 ||
Accredited Hospitals: 0917 8834111 | 0908 8145874 || Cebu Office: 0912 474 3930 | 0967 340 3743
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus. An infected individual can spread Mpox to others from the onset of the symptoms until the rash has healed completely. The illness can spread between individuals, most commonly through close physical contact.
Close contact may include the following:
● Skin-to-skin (physical touch, sexual contact)
● Mouth-to-mouth
● Mouth-to-skin
● Face-to-face
Transmission is also possible via surfaces and objects touched by an infected person. Clothing, towels, and beddings used by an infected individual can transmit the infection. Mpox can also spread through contact with an animal that carries the virus.
According to the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Disease (PSMID), Mpox has a 3-17 days incubation period. Signs and symptoms can include:
● Fever
● Rash (looks like blisters or sores)
● Malaise
● Headache
● Chills
● Swollen lymph nodes
● Itching
● Rectal pain/bleeding
The blisters or sores can appear on the face, palm of the hands, soles of the feet, rectum, and/or genital areas. The sores may lead to inflammation inside the rectum resulting in severe pain and/or inflammation of the genitals which can cause difficulty urinating. Sores can also appear in the mouth, throat, and the eyes.
Diagnosing Mpox can be difficult because it can appear like other infections or conditions such as measles, chickenpox, scabies, bacterial skin infections, and various sexually transmitted infections.
A thorough patient history can be conducted to assess possible Mpox exposures and risk factors followed by a complete physical examination, including a laboratory test. According to the WHO, the detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred laboratory test for Mpox.
Treatment of Mpox focuses on treating the sores or lesions, managing the pain, and preventing complications. Recovery from Mpox generally takes two to four weeks.
The WHO recommends high-risk individuals get vaccinated to help prevent infection, especially during an outbreak.
Possible high-risk groups include:
● Healthcare workers
● People, including children, belonging to the same household or close community as the infected person
● Individuals who have multiple sex partners
● Sex workers
The WHO recommends the following guidelines to prevent spreading the infection to others:
● Stay at home in a well-ventilated room.
● Wear a mask and cover sores when you are with other people until it heals.
● If you have mouth sores, use saltwater rinses.
● Take warm baths using baking soda or Epsom salts.
● Do not pop or scratch the blisters or sores to avoid further infection, prevent the spread of the rash to other parts of the body, and promote faster healing.
● Do not shave the parts of the body with sores until the scabs have healed.
● Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching the blisters.
● Keep the skin dry and uncovered (unless you are around other people).
● Avoid touching surfaces and items in shared places and disinfect communal areas frequently.
● Manage pain by taking over-the-counter medications like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.
If you have symptoms of Mpox or have been exposed to an infected person, contact your healthcare provider or local health department.
Easy access health plan options for the Filipino community.
We know finding the right healthcare plan can be a complex and confusing task.
Our health plan specialists are always here to help 24/7.
Got more questions?