The country’s third monkeypox case has “fully recovered,” according to the Department of Health.
The 29-year-old Filipino has completed his isolation period at home, according to DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire. On September 8, the patient received a clearance certificate.
Thirteen of the patient’s 17 close contacts have completed their self-monitoring period, and four have completed quarantine. They are all asymptomatic.
Meanwhile, the fourth monkeypox case in the country was discharged from the hospital on September 15.
However, the 25-year-old Filipino will remain in isolation at home until all of the patient’s scabs fall off, according to Vergeire.
There have been no additional rashes or symptoms observed in the patient.
Eighteen of the patient’s twenty close contacts have completed quarantine, and one has completed the self-monitoring period without developing any signs or symptoms of the disease.
The quarantine period was only begun on September 15 by a relative who assisted the patient at the hospital.
So far, the Philippines has detected four cases of monkeypox, with the first three cases linked to travel. The first and second cases of monkeypox have already recovered and have been released from isolation.
Vergeire stated that the agency could not yet say whether the disease is being transmitted locally in the country.
“I cannot be certain to say that there is no local transmission,” she stated.
“Bakit? Alam natin hindi natin nate-test lahat. Alam natin hindi lahat ng may sintomas kung saka-sakali ay nakakapag-test o pumupunta sa kanilang mga doktor para magpakonsulta.”
“But what is certain right now, handa tayo to detect, handa tayo na gamutin, handa tayo to prevent the transmission of this disease,” she stated.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 50,000 cases have been reported in 125 countries worldwide, with Europe and North America accounting for 98 percent of them.
The disease causes painful and scarring lesions on the face, anus, and genitals.
It usually heals in 2 to 3 weeks, but in rare cases, it can cause serious complications.