What Is Mpox? Key Facts After Mandaluyong's Confirmed Case

On June 29, 2026, the Mandaluyong City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) confirmed one locally acquired case of mpox, a contagious viral disease formerly known as monkeypox.

Following the confirmation, the Mandaluyong local government unit (LGU) said it immediately implemented standard public health measures, including case investigation, contact tracing, risk assessment, monitoring of close contacts, and coordination with regional and national offices of the Department of Health (DOH).

Before this, the last publicly reported mpox cases in the country were recorded in May 2025 in three Mindanao regions: Soccsksargen, with 10 confirmed infections; the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with 6 individuals showing symptoms; and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXC), which belongs to the same genus as the virus that causes smallpox. Although generally less severe than smallpox, it can still cause significant illness.

Mpox can spread through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials or surfaces. Common modes of transmission include:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact with rashes, lesions, or scabs

• Contact with body fluids

• Prolonged face-to-face respiratory contact

• Intimate or sexual contact

• Contact with contaminated clothing, towels, bedding, or linens

• From a pregnant person to their baby

Mpox symptoms usually appear 3 to 21 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Back pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Rash or skin lesions

The rash or skin lesions may appear on the:

• Face

• Hands

• Feet

• Mouth

• Genitals

• Anus

A person is with mpox is considered contagious from the onset of symptoms until:

• All lesions have healed

• Scabs have fallen off

• A new layer of skin has formed

The healing process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

There is no specific treatment for mpox, but supportive care focuses on:

• Relieving symptoms

• Preventing dehydration

• Treating secondary bacterial infections

• Managing pain

Antiviral medications may also be used for certain patients under specific regulatory or clinical protocols.

You can reduce your risk of mpox by:

• Avoiding close contact with people who have a rash or are suspected of having mpox

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizer

• Avoid sharing towels, bedding, clothing, or personal items

• Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces

• Practicing safer sex and discussing symptoms with partners

• Wearing appropriate protective equipment when caring for someone with mpox

People who are at high risk of mpox and may experience more severe disease include:

• Infants and young children

• Pregnant individuals

• People with weak immune systems

• Individuals with certain chronic medical conditions

Living in a condominium, apartment, or a similar shared space does not increase one’s risk of getting mpox. The virus primarily spreads through close, direct contact with an infected person’s rash, body fluids, or contaminated personal items, rather than through casual encounters.

Those living in shared spaces can do the following:

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces if someone in your household is sick

• If you share bathrooms or living spaces with someone infected with mpox, disinfect commonly touched surfaces and avoid sharing personal items

• Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms or believe you were exposed to someone with mpox

For parents who are caring for both children and older adults, it is best to stay informed and practice good hygiene.

If someone in your household develops a fever, swollen lymph nodes, or an unexplained rash:

• Limit close physical contact until they have consulted a health professional

• Keep children from touching the person’s rash, clothing, towels, or bedding

• Wash hands after providing care or handling the person’s personal items

• Clean shared surfaces regularly

• Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on home isolation and infection prevention

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