Gov’t Tightens Health Security with New Mpox Screening in Philippine e-Travel Form

The Philippines is stepping up its health safety measures by introducing new screening questions in the country’s e-travel form to help prevent the entry of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). The new Mpox screening in the Philippine e-travel form now includes specific queries designed to detect potential cases of mpox among travellers arriving from abroad, marking a proactive step in safeguarding the country against this viral infection.

What we know about the new Mpox screening in Philippine e-Travel form

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As of the latest update, travellers who have been ill within the past 30 days are required to indicate in their e-travel form if they have experienced any symptoms such as rashes, vesicles, or blisters. This measure, introduced by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), is part of the broader efforts to curb the spread of mpox, particularly the more severe clade Ib variant, which has a mortality rate ranging from 1% to 10%.

According to the DOH, if a traveller reports any of these symptoms, especially when arriving from a country experiencing an mpox outbreak or with a history of exposure to confirmed cases, the e-travel system will automatically alert the Bureau of Immigration and the BOQ. These travellers will then undergo a secondary screening process, and if they are suspected of having mpox, they will be transferred to a designated referral hospital for further evaluation and care.

Mpox, a virus related to smallpox, typically presents symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and distinctive rashes that may appear on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals. The virus is known to spread through close contact with an infected person or through objects and surfaces that have been contaminated.

The DOH’s decision to update the e-travel form comes as a response to the recent detection of two new mpox cases in the country, bringing the total number of cases to 14 since July 2022. Among these, only five cases remain active, and the patients involved are reportedly carrying the milder clade II variant of the virus. The newly reported cases include a 26-year-old female from the National Capital Region and a 12-year-old male from Calabarzon, both of whom are currently under home isolation.

Also read: Mpox Philippines Update: New Case and Essential Travel Safety Tips

With these new protocols in place, the Philippines is not only enhancing its defence against mpox but also reinforcing the country’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of both its citizens and international visitors. Travellers are encouraged to answer the Mpox screening in Philippine e-Travel form questions honestly to help maintain the effectiveness of these preventive measures.

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