The Quezon City Government has reiterated and improved its own prevention, control, and response protocols against mpox (previously known as monkeypox), following the detection of its first case in the Philippines this year.
Since 2022, a response mechanism in addressing mpox had already been established by the city. Nurses, doctors, and medical personnel, including healthcare workers in social hygiene and sundown clinics, have been oriented about the virus.
Likewise, the city has instituted protocols for sending specimens to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), as well as a referral system to hospitals.
The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) of the City Health Department (QCHD) has also organized a Quick Response Team for mpox contact tracing efforts. Personal protective equipment and other logistical needs for contact tracing are also sufficient.
On Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported the first case of mpox in the country. The patient, a 33-year-old man residing in the National Capital Region (NCR), has no travel history abroad.
Based on the initial information provided by DOH and further investigation by the QCESD, the patient, although not a QC resident, had visited a dermatology clinic in the city for consultation, and likewise availed of the services of a masseur in a spa. Interview with the patient revealed that he had frequented similar spas in other cities within the same period.
The doctor, upon his clinical assessment, noticed skin lesions (rash-like) on the arms, face, trunk, back, and other parts of the patient’s body. He immediately coordinated with the barangay to transport the patient to RITM to collect specimens.
“Mabuti at naging maagap ang naging tugon ng doktor sa pasyente kaya’t naiwasan ‘yung pagkalat pa ng virus. Kasabay nito, patuloy nating paiigtingin pa ang ating sistema sa pagkontrol at pagtugon sa mpox,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Temporary closure of Infinity Massage Spa
The city government immediately conducted due diligence on the spa visited by the patient.
On August 11, four days before consulting a doctor, the patient went to the Infinity Massage Spa along E. Rodriguez Avenue.
When the QC Health Department personnel conducted contact tracing, they found out that the wellness center failed to renew their business permit, violating Section 67, Article 1 of City Ordinance No. SP-91, S-93.
“Base sa aming record, bukod sa wala silang business permit, wala rin silang mga kinakailangang ancillary permits tulad ng sanitary permit, environmental clearance, at fire inspection certificate. Ilegal silang nag-ooperate, kaya mataas din ang tsansa na may iba pang ilegal na ginagawa doon,” Belmonte explained.
The city’s Business Permit and Licensing Department (BPLD) has ordered the temporary closure of AED Infinity Wellness Spa Inc. on Tuesday (August 20) until further notice.
Three spa workers who live in QC and affected by the establishment’s closure will be provided with financial assistance through the QC Public Employment Service Office’s Alagang QC program.
Belmonte also called on establishments to comply with the city’s business regulations and to secure the necessary permits, to ensure the safety and well-being of QCitizens.
The QC Health Department, moreover, has advised QCitizens to follow the health protocols set by the DOH including proper handwashing and avoiding contact with people exhibiting mpox symptoms, as mpox can be transmitted to a person through sexual contact, and close or direct contact (wounds, body fluids, or sputum).
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