The Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to be cautious of false information spreading online regarding monkeypox (mpox) and alleged lockdowns being enforced in the country.
In a statement released Saturday, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Dr. Albert Domingo clarified that there is no truth to rumors about lockdowns and that mpox transmission remains low and manageable.
“Don’t fall for misleading Facebook posts using deceptive tactics, fake endorsements, and false health claims,” Domingo emphasized, warning the public to verify information only through official channels.
Domingo also pointed out that mpox is not airborne, eliminating the need for lockdowns. The virus is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or close physical interaction—not via the air.
The DOH revealed that mpox cases have actually decreased in May 2025 compared to April, noting that more than 50 cases were recorded in April, while fewer than 50 were confirmed in May. Additionally, some of these earlier reports turned out to be chickenpox upon further investigation.
Domingo reassured the public that the DOH, in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), is working to take down misleading posts and fake social media accounts promoting health misinformation.
Although some local government units (LGUs) have required face masks, Domingo clarified that mask-wearing is not an effective preventive measure for mpox, given its mode of transmission. He encouraged LGUs to consult with the DOH before implementing such measures.
On the severity of the virus, the DOH confirmed that no cases of the more dangerous mpox clade 1B have been detected in the Philippines. Current cases belong to clade 2, which has a lower fatality rate of about 10%, compared to the 40-50% mortality rate of clade 1B.
Domingo emphasized that the public should rely only on verified sources, such as the official DOH website and its social media platforms, for health-related updates.
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