The 33-year-old man, who was infected with mpox, visited a derma clinic and an illegal spa in Quezon City, where he reportedly had unprotected sex, according to Mayor Joy Belmonte.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Belmonte clarified that the man is not a resident of Quezon City, but had close contact with 41 persons, including the spa’s masseuse and several clients.
“Of the 41 close contacts, 28 of them, who were identified through contact tracing, are now under self-quarantine and are being closely monitored by the city’s health department,” Belmonte told the media.
At least 15 percent of the patient’s 41 close contacts were from Quezon City and were immediately given the proper treatment.
“Every day, we call them up for monitoring (of their health condition),” City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division chief Dr. Rolando dela Cruz said.
The mpox patient has no travel history outside the Philippines, but had a close or intimate encounter with an infected individual three weeks before the onset of the symptoms, according to the Department of Health.
Belmonte said she ordered the spa’s temporary closure for operating without a mayor’s permit and other appropriate documents.
The patient reportedly frequented similar spas in other cities within the same period.
“The doctor’s response to the patient was good and prompt, so the further spread of the virus was avoided. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen our system in controlling and responding to mpox,” Belmonte said.
