Monkeypox - ISS-G20 Laboratorium Repository

Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported from countries that do not normally have cases, and continue to be reported in several endemic countries. 

According to the World Health Organization, this is the first time that many monkeypox cases and clusters have been reported concurrently in non-endemic and endemic countries in widely disparate geographical areas. 

On 23 July 2022, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus announced that the multi-country outbreak of monkeypox represents a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).  

The declaration of a PHEIC and the Director-General's temporary recommendations are intended to enhance coordination, cooperation and global solidarity, with the goals of stopping human-to-human transmission and protecting vulnerable groups. 

On 29 July 2022, the Department of Health (DOH) detected the first confirmed case of monkeypox in the country. The Philippines is the 8th country/area in the WHO Western Pacific Region to have reported confirmed cases of monkeypox. 

“The Department of Health has been proactive towards preparedness, prevention, and response to monkeypox, and we will continue our support as the situation evolves,” said Dr Graham Harrison, Officer-in-Charge, WHO Philippines. 

WHO advises Filipinos to seek medical advice when experiencing monkeypox symptoms. “We at WHO want to highlight that monkeypox can affect anyone, but everyone can help reduce its transmission,” said Dr Harrison. 

Entire content available on: https://www.who.int/philippines/news/detail/19-08-2022-monkeypox