UDpoz➕

MPox Friendly Reminder Hey everyone, friendly reminder lang. Since I got back to Manila on June 23, I’ve personally seen three separate suspected mpox cases with no travel history, meaning possible local community transmission. While I was abroad last week, one of my junior doctors also encountered another case. All were properly referred to testing centers and advised to isolate while awaiting proper assessment. This is not meant to cause panic. Mpox cases are generally mild and manageable. But mild does not mean we ignore it. A few weeks ago, Hong Kong also reported an uptick of cases, so this is a good time for the community to be more aware again. Mpox usually spreads through close physical contact, especially skin-to-skin contact. This can happen during sex, kissing, cuddling, or prolonged close contact with someone who has lesions. Symptoms can include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and then a rash or sores that may appear on the face, mouth, genitals, anus, hands, or other parts of the body. One classic lesion we look for is an umbilicated lesion. In simple terms, mukha siyang may pusod or parang maliit na donut, with a dip in the center. But not every lesion will look textbook, so please do not self-diagnose based on appearance alone. If you notice new, painful, unusual, or unexplained sores, especially around the genitals, anus, mouth, or after close sexual contact, please pause muna from sex and close skin contact. Visit your nearest sexual health physician so we can assess you properly, guide you on testing, and advise you on isolation. Again, this is not a panic post. This is a “let’s be responsible and aware” post. Sex is part of life. Community is part of life. But taking care of each other is also part of life. - Sex Doctor Deano