DOH Warns Against Fake Lockdown Posts on Monkeypox
The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a clear warning to the public regarding false Facebook posts claiming an impending lockdown due to monkeypox. These misleading posts have caused unnecessary alarm, but health officials emphasize that monkeypox is not transmitted through the air, eliminating the need for lockdown measures.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the DOH reassured the public that “Walang pangangailangang magkaroon ng lockdown dahil sa mpox dahil hindi ito airborne. Nagpapaalala ang (DOH) na huwag paniwalaan ang mga kumakalat na pekeng Facebook post na may mapanlinlang na marketing strategy, pekeng endorsement mula sa mga eksperto, at hindi makatotohanang mga pahayag tungkol sa kalusugan.” This means there is no justification for lockdowns since the virus is not airborne, and people should not trust fake endorsements or misleading health claims circulating online.
Relying on Official Sources for Health Information
The health department urges everyone to get their updates only from official channels. They have coordinated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to remove false content that spreads confusion and fear.
As community leaders said, “Hinihikayat ang publiko na sundan lamang ang opisyal na Facebook page ng DOH (https://www.facebook.com/DOHgovPH) para sa tamang impormasyong pangkalusugan. Naipagbigay-alam na ng Kagawaran sa Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) ang nasabing pahina para ito ay maipatanggal.” This encourages the public to follow the DOH’s official Facebook page to receive accurate health updates and avoid misleading information.
Current Status of Monkeypox Cases in the Philippines
Reports indicate that the number of monkeypox cases recorded in 2024 is higher than those reported in 2025. Interestingly, April 2025 saw more cases than May, but this is attributed to more active reporting by local government units (LGUs).
The health department explained, “Mas marami pang Mpox nung 2024. Mas marami ring naitala nung Abril kaysa ngayong Mayo 2025. Nagkataon lamang na nagheheadline dahil aktibo at nag-aanunsyo na ngayon ang mga LGU.” This suggests that the recent attention is due to LGUs becoming more vigilant in reporting and announcing cases.
Monkeypox Variants and Mortality Rates
Health experts confirm that the more dangerous Clade I-b variant of monkeypox has not been detected in the country. Instead, all cases belong to Clade II, which has a significantly lower mortality rate.
As the DOH stated, “Wala pa ring Mpox Clade I-b na nakikita dito sa Pilipinas. Panay Clade II ang meron natin. Mas mababa ang mortality (pagkamatay) ng Clade II, nasa mga isa sa bawat sampu, kumpara sa 4–5 ng Clade I-b.” This means that Clade II’s death rate is about one in ten, much lower than the four to five deaths per ten cases seen with Clade I-b.
The department continues to collaborate with LGUs to ensure proper medical care for confirmed and suspected monkeypox cases, emphasizing that the public should stay informed through reliable sources.
For more news and updates on monkeypox outbreak, visit Filipinokami.com.