New mpox patient visited Quezon City spa, derma; 41 contacts identified

MANILA, Philippines – The local government of Quezon City activated on Wednesday, August 21, its health response protocol after finding that the country’s new mpox case visited a spa in the city and four days later, a dermatologist’s clinic.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte clarified that the 33-year-old male who tested positive for mpox is not a resident of the city. But he went to a dermatologist for consultation there, and the dermatologist noticed he had skin lesions on his face, back, and other parts of his body.

“Mabuti at naging maagap ang naging tugon ng doktor sa pasyente kaya’t naiwasan ‘yung pagkalat pa ng virus (It’s good that the doctor was able to respond to the patient’s case quickly so the spread of the virus was avoided),” the mayor said in a statement.

LOOK: The Department of Health releases a public health advisory on mpox (monkeypox) symptoms, comparing it to chickenpox and measles

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said patients with mpox symptoms usually head to dermatologists to get their skin lesions checked @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/dpVXXhIIfX

Dr. Rolly Cruz, chief of the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, said they identified 41 individuals who came in contact with the patient. These include employees and clients of the two establishments.

The patient also had a sexual encounter with a fellow client in the spa — Infinity Spa along E. Rodriguez Avenue.

Mpox is transmitted through “close, intimate contact.” The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said one can get infected via direct skin-to-skin contact, contact with saliva or any other bodily fluids, and even from a mother to a child during pregnancy or after birth.

This means having sex, hugging, getting a massage, kissing, and other “prolonged face-to-face interactions” with an infected person could put someone at risk for mpox.

Cruz said that when the doctor was taking the patient’s history, the patient noted that he had multiple partners and he would frequent spas as well.

Among those under mandatory home quarantine are clients of Infinity Spa on August 11 — when the mpox patient visited. Meanwhile, other individuals who came in contact with the