Compulsory masking over mpox unnecessary - medical group

Metro Manila, Philippines - Compulsory masking in communities with reported cases of mpox is unnecessary, a medical society said Monday, June 2.

The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) issued the statement as several regions have reported cases of mpox, a disease that causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions.

Localities like Davao del Sur province, Compostela town in Davao de Oro, and Maasin City in Leyte have ordered the mandatory wearing of face masks.

The PSMID said mpox is not transmitted airborne such as air across rooms, marketplaces, offices, and even inside aircraft.

Mpox is usually spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including close interactions like kissing, sexual contact, and hugging, it said.

“Enforcing masks is not a cost-effective measure and will not prevent the spread of mpox,” the PSMID said.

The group advised those with rash to cover lesions with clean gauze to prevent mpox exposure, avoid close skin-to-skin contact, not to share personal items, and seek proper consultation.

In a televised interview via state broadcaster PTV, the Department of Health also said there will be no lockdowns due to mpox.

Health spokesperson Albert Domingo stressed that the milder clade II, and not the more severe clade Ib, was behind the infections.

Domingo said the epidemic curve for mpox showed fewer cases in May compared to April nationwide, with monthly confirmed cases less than 50 since 2024.

He said Metro Manila has the highest number of cases.