The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday moved to dispel growing public anxiety surrounding monkeypox (Mpox), emphasizing that face masks are not necessary to prevent its spread and that rumors of an impending lockdown are unfounded.
“Sa airborne illness ‘yun kagaya ng COVID, pero sa sakit na ito na skin-to-skin contact ang hawaan, ay mag-long sleeves ka at huwag dumikit sa mga taong may nakapantal. Kung ikaw naman ay may sakit, maglagi ka sa bahay para hindi ka makagawa ng ibang tao,” said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, addressing recent advisories by some local government units (LGUs) urging the use of face masks amid rising concerns.
Herbosa clarified that Mpox, particularly the Clade II strain currently detected in the country, spreads through close and intimate physical contact, not through the air like COVID-19. “Ang hawaan diyan ay close and intimate contact,” he added.
Amid circulating social media posts suggesting a spike in Mpox cases, Herbosa dismissed the claims. “Hindi po dumadami [ang Mpox]. Kasi noong kinumpara namin ang Mpox last year at Mpox this year, mas mababa. Pati ‘yung Mpox ng May at April, mas mataas pa ‘yung April. Walang katotohanan na nag-i-increase.”
He was equally firm in refuting speculation about a return to lockdowns: “Wala rin katotohanan na maglo-lockdown. Walang lockdown.”
Herbosa also reassured the public about the milder nature of the Mpox cases currently being reported, which involve the Clade II strain. “Iyong Mpox natin ay ‘yung Clade II, ito ‘yung mild at self-limiting, ibig sabihin magpapantal-pantal ka—pangit pero mag-re-recover ka. Kung mag-stay ka lang sa bahay at mag-isolate ka, hindi ka makakahawa ng ibang tao, so hindi siya nakakatakot.”
The DOH continues to monitor more dangerous variants, such as Clade I-B, which is known for its higher mortality and is endemic in parts of Africa. “Pero ‘yung Clade I-B na binabantayan natin, ‘yung galing Africa, ‘yan ang nakakamatay, mataas ang mortality. ‘Yan ang hinahanap namin. Wala pa kaming nakita since last year.”
As the country remains on alert, the DOH underscores that accurate information and responsible behavior are the first line of defense. Instead of widespread restrictions, the agency is encouraging practical precautions: avoid skin-to-skin contact with those showing symptoms, wear protective clothing like long sleeves, and isolate at home if infected.
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