Wearing a face mask won’t protect you from mpox, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Monday, urging the public to focus on avoiding intimate contact like kissing and hugging to reduce the risk of infection.
“Face masks are not your shield against mpox,” said DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo in a DZMM Radyo Patrol interview. He added, “Pwede kang mag face mask pero kung magki-kissing ka pa rin, hugging-hugging, makakakuha ka pa rin ng mpox.”
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is not airborne and is primarily transmitted through direct physical contact. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as a viral disease that can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and a distinctive rash. It spreads through close, often skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin, contact with an infected person.
Domingo emphasized that mpox is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection but can still be passed through non-sexual intimate contact. “Sa mpox, kahit hindi ka nagkaroon ng pagtatalik, kahit yumakap ka lang, or kahit humalik ka lang… pwede ka pa ring makakuha ng mpox. Ang importante dito ay ‘yung balat sa balat,” he explained.
The WHO also noted that individuals with multiple sexual partners face higher risks, and mpox can be spread through contaminated objects such as linens or clothing, and through injuries in medical or tattoo settings. In rare cases, the virus can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or delivery, with serious consequences for the baby.
The DOH also dispelled circulating rumors about mpox-related lockdowns, stating there are no such restrictions in place. While infections are on the rise, the department confirmed that all cases in the country so far are of the Clade II variant — a milder and less transmissible form of the virus — and not the more dangerous Clade 1b.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation and are reminding the public to remain cautious and informed, especially when engaging in close physical contact.
