The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Monday that it will not activate the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) despite a recent rise in mpox cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 14 since August.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa cited the disease's low risk and the ease of control as the primary reasons for this decision. He emphasized that the disease is "very mild" and can be easily managed to break the chain of transmission.
Herbosa acknowledged the entry of the more severe Clade 1B variant in the country and its potential for community transmission, but ultimately decided against activating the IATF. He stated that even with a possible increase in cases, the response measures would remain the same: increased testing and information dissemination.
While the DOH confirmed six new cases, it refrained from disclosing detailed information about the latest cases, only revealing that they involved anonymous sexual encounters.
Herbosa attributed the rise in cases to increased testing following heightened awareness of the virus. However, he urged the public to refrain from focusing on the number of cases, stating that it has "no public health value."
"Whether it's one case or 100, the response is the same. What's happening is that you're only causing fear and panic among people," he said.
The DOH is currently prioritizing the allocation of P158 million in funds for mpox response over the next three months. This funding will cover all aspects of the Prevent, Detect, Isolate and Quarantine, Treat and Reintegrate (PDITR) framework, including test kits, campaign materials, seminars and trainings for laboratories, and engagement with key populations.
The funds will be sourced from the Health Emergency Management Bureau, health emergency funds, promotion funds, and savings from the 2023 budget.
Despite the rise in cases, the DOH remains confident in its ability to manage the situation and prevent a widespread outbreak.
