Philippines detects first mpox case since start of 2024, yet to determine strain

The new case in the Philippines is the 10th laboratory-confirmed case the health department has detected. Its first case was in July 2022.

“Symptoms started more than a week ago with fever, which was followed four days later by findings of a distinct rash on the face, back, nape, trunk, groin, as well as palms and soles,” it said in a statement.

The disease leads to flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. It is usually mild but can kill children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, all at higher risk of complications.