DOH, iginiit na walang lockdown dahil sa Mpox; tinawag na “fake news” kumakalat na balita

- The Department of Health has slammed the proliferation of rumors about a supposed lockdown to be implemented because of Mpox

- The DOH categorically denied the rumors of a nationwide lockdown due to mpox cases, branding such social media claims as “fake news”

- The department also revealed that all confirmed mpox cases in the Philippines are of the milder Clade II variant, which has a significantly lower mortality rate or approximately 1 in 10 cases

- It also clarified that Mpox is not an airborne disease and primarily spreads through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, as well as contact with contaminated materials

The Department of Health (DOH) has definitively stated that there will be no nationwide lockdown implemented in the Philippines due to mpox (monkeypox) cases, dismissing circulating social media rumors as “fake news.”

The agency reiterated that the variant currently circulating in the country is mild and less transmissible, not warranting such extreme public health measures.

The DOH issued a stern warning to the public against the spread of misinformation regarding mpox, urging citizens to verify information only through official and credible government sources.

This comes amidst a proliferation of false claims on social media, including assertions of an impending nationwide lockdown on certain dates.

According to the DOH, all mpox cases detected in the Philippines belong to Clade II, which is recognized as a milder variant of the virus with a significantly lower mortality rate (approximately 1 in 10 cases).

Crucially, the more transmissible and severe Clade 1b variant, which has a higher mortality rate (40-50%), has not been detected in the country.

This distinction is a key factor in the DOH’s decision against imposing lockdowns.

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo further clarified that mpox is not an airborne disease, meaning it does not spread through the air across rooms or in open public spaces in the same manner as respiratory viruses.

Transmission primarily occurs through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including activities like kissing, hugging, or direct contact with rashes, scabs, or body fluids from an infected person.

It can also spread through contact with contaminated materials like clothing, bedding, or towels used by an infected individual.

Consequently, the DOH emphasized that face masks, while generally useful for respiratory illnesses, are not considered effective against mpox transmission in isolation, underscoring that avoiding close physical contact is the primary preventive measure.

Despite a perceived increase in mpox reports this year, the DOH noted that the number of cases in 2025 is actually lower compared to 2024.

The current heightened public awareness and media coverage, the DOH explained, are due to the active surveillance and timely reporting by local government units (LGUs). "Mas marami pang Mpox nung 2024.

“Mas marami ring naitala nung Abril kaysa ngayong Mayo 2025. Nagkataon lamang na nagheheadline dahil aktibo at nag-aanunsyo na ngayon ang mga LGU,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo was quoted as saying, indicating that increased reporting frequency by LGUs contributes to the impression of a surge.

While no nationwide lockdown is in effect, some localized measures, such as mandatory face mask policies, have been implemented in specific areas.

These include the entire province of Davao del Sur, health facilities in Cotabato, the city of Compostela in Davao de Oro, and Maasin City in Leyte.

In Davao City, face masks are required at the Hall of Justice but are voluntary elsewhere.

The DOH, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao, has also issued a warning against the hoarding and overpricing of medical supplies, reiterating that these are not generally needed for mpox prevention in the general population.

The public is advised to rely solely on official health advisories and practice good hygiene and responsible personal contact to curb the spread of the virus.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In related news, local officials in Davao del Sur and Compostela have mandated the wearing of face masks due to mpox cases. Based on Executive Orders from Gov. Yvonne Cagas and Mayor Levi Ebdao, face masks are now required in public places. One confirmed mpox case has been reported in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, along with three suspected cases in Davao de Oro. The public is also reminded to wear masks in crowded outdoor areas where physical distancing is difficult.

Last year, the first Mpox patient was revealed to have visited a dermatology clinic in Quezon City. Following this visit, the patient then went to an unlicensed spa in the same city, which lacked proper permits. Mayor Joy Belmonte disclosed that 28 out of 41 identified contacts have been placed under self-quarantine. Similarly, the Quezon City Health Department is also monitoring those under quarantine.

Source: KAMI.com.gh