Jonathan Frederic De Santos

Department of Health Headquarters in  Manila. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

Article (news)

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

MANILA —The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reminded private communities to protect patients&#x27; privacy after a condominium in Mandaluyong City released an advisory confirming that one of its residents had tested positive for mpox.The advisory informed residents that the patient belonged to the condominium community and identified the specific tower where the individual lived.While it also included reminders on maintaining good health, the DOH said the notice may have gone beyond what was necessary.&quot;Hindi po namin nakita yung pangangailangan para i-announce. In fact, we were also looking, nagkaroon ba ng breach sa data privacy? Buti nalang hindi binanggit yung identity. Pero very borderline na yung naging memorandum nung nasabing condominium,&quot; DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo said.He also reminded condominium and homeowners&#x27; associations that mpox cases should not be publicly announced in that manner.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/6/30/mandaluyong-health-office-confirms-case-of-mpox-1832">Mandaluyong Health Office confirms case of mpox </a></div>The Mandaluyong City Health Office later confirmed that the patient first developed symptoms on June 21 and tested positive for mpox on June 25. The patient is now in isolation and under close medical monitoring.Authorities are also coordinating with the condominium administration to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.&quot;From the time na lumabas yung symptoms niya, kailangan makita namin yung mga visitors na dumating dun sa condo,” said Dr. May Villarina, head of the Mandaluyong City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.Health officials are tracing individuals who visited the condominium from 21 to 30 days before the onset of the patient&#x27;s symptoms.Villarina said the patient initially sought treatment at a private hospital after noticing lesions on one part of the body. Doctors who examined the patient immediately alerted the Mandaluyong City Health Office.The patient had no recent travel history, prompting health officials to focus on local transmission.&quot;The mode of transmission for mpox is direct skin-to-skin contact, particularly through active lesions,&quot; Villarina explained.She added that the patient was unable to identify all close contacts because some involved casual sexual partners.The World Health Organization (WHO) says mpox is primarily spread through close or intimate skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. The virus can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged, close contact, although this route is considered less common.Mpox gained global attention in 2022 after outbreaks spread beyond Africa, leading the WHO to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). That emergency status remains in effect.Health authorities have recorded 45 mpox cases in the Philippines so far this year.While the number remains relatively low, the DOH said infections can be prevented through early detection, prompt reporting, good hygiene, and avoiding close physical contact with someone showing symptoms.Domingo also emphasized that simply living in the same condominium building does not automatically place residents at risk.&quot;Would even say kahit kapitbahay mo siya, basta wala kayong close physical skin-to-skin contact, hindi po yan nilipat sa inyo. Especially in a condominium environment na wala naman po sa aking pagkaalala, wala naman po mga shared windows ang mga condominium,&quot; he said.Aside from the confirmed patient, health authorities are also monitoring other members of the household for possible symptoms as contact tracing continues.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reminded private communities to protect patients' privacy after a condominium in Mandaluyong City released an advisory confirming that one of its residents had tested positive for mpox.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reminded private communities to protect patients' privacy after a condominium in Mandaluyong City released an advisory confirming that one of its residents had tested positive for mpox.

DOH issues reminder on patient privacy after condo discloses Mandaluyong mpox case

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DOH issues reminder on patient privacy after condo discloses Mandaluyong mpox case

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 01, 2026 06:43 PM PHT

|

Updated July 01, 2026 06:45 PM PHT

Read More:

mpox

Mandaluyong City

DOH

Department of Health

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