The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday assured the public that mpox cases in the Philippines remain under control despite a recent rise in infections.
“This is not higher than last year, we still saw more cases last year. We are intensifying our campaign on education, treatment, and isolation to prevent the cases from spreading and increasing,” said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.
The country is also not included in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a public health emergency of international concern, according to the health agency.
The health chief declined to identify specific locations where new infections have been detected, but said the mpox cases recorded in the Philippines are attributed to Clade II, a milder variant of the virus.
Clade II cases are typically self-limiting and do not require close government intervention, he added.
Clade I, which has a higher mortality rate, is covered by the WHO’s ongoing global public health emergency.
The DOH said that as of May 2025, a total of 911 mpox cases had been recorded in the country since 2024.
Amid online rumors, the DOH clarified that no lockdown or strict quarantine measures are being planned in response to the current situation.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Amid spike in cases, mpox spread kept in check—DOH”
