Mpox crisis: Philippines reports first case; death toll in Democratic Republic of Congo rises to 584

The Philippines reported its first case of the Mpox virus on Monday, according to the Department of Health. This came just days after the WHO declared Mpox a global health emergency following a surge in cases in Africa, amid fears of the virus spreading to countries outside Africa.

The reported case is a 33-year-old Filipino man with no travel history. This is the first case of the virus, formerly known as monkeypox, detected in the country since December last year.

The Mpox virus has reportedly claimed 548 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The country has been experiencing a worrying outbreak since late 2022. However, the new variant, Clade 1b, is proving to be more deadly, leading to a higher number of deaths in severe infections.

Mpox belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus and is transmitted through contact with infected people or animals. The most common symptoms include a rash (papules), fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and chills.

Apart from the new case in the Philippines and the ongoing cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mpox cases have been reported so far in the following countries:

Pakistan: The Pakistan Health Ministry confirmed that three cases of MPOX were detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday. The patients had arrived from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the infection was detected.

Sweden: The first case of the new Mpox virus strain outside Africa was confirmed by Swedish authorities on Thursday. The person became infected during a visit to Africa, where a major outbreak has been reported.

Burundi: Neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo reported 173 cases, an increase of 75 percent.

Nigeria: According to health authorities, 39 cases and 788 suspected cases of the virus have been registered in the country this year.

Other countries where cases of MPOX have been registered include South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Liberia and Ghana.

Countries in Europe and Asia are on high alert, increasing vigilance and carrying out checks at entry points while also preparing for possible outbreaks.

(With contributions from agencies)