Ilocos Sur logs first mpox case

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Health authorities has confirmed the first monkey pox or mpox case in Ilocos Sur.

The patient, a 34-year old woman from Tagudin town, experienced fever, rashes and swollen lymph nodes while abroad in December, according to the provincial government.

The woman arrived in the country on March 1 and has undergone biopsy at a hospital in Candon City. She was transferred to the ENT department of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando, La Union.

Authorities said the patient complained of joint pains and developed lesions.

Health experts said that symptoms of the disease usually start within a week after exposure to the virus.

However, the symptoms may also manifest from one to 21 days after exposure.

The symptoms last from two to four weeks or longer in patients with weak immune system.

Common symptoms of mpox include rashes, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pains, back pains, swollen lymph nodes and lethargy.

Health officials said the public need not worry as the case is isolated and has no signs of local transmission.

Local epidemiology and surveillance personnel are monitoring people with whom the patient had close contact.