The Philippine government has recently introduced new sanitary border control measures, aimed specifically at preventing the introduction and spread of the Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox) on its territory. These measures are part of a global strategy of reinforced epidemiological surveillance, in response to the resurgence of Mpox cases observed in several countries.
Modification of the eTravel form
Integration of Mpox screening questions
After the Nigeria or theIndonesia, THE Department of Health of the Philippines (DOH) announced that the eTravelwhich is mandatory for all travelers entering and leaving the country, now includes specific Mpox screening questions. This modification is particularly aimed at identifying potential cases of the strain clade Ibconsidered more virulent.
The updated e-travel form asks travelers if they have had any symptoms of illness in the 30 days preceding their trip. In the event of a positive response, a new option has been added to the drop-down list: "skin rashes, blisters or blisters". The DOH stresses the importance of travelers answering these questions honestly.
Control and management processes
Automated warning system
If a traveler reports coming from a country experiencing a Mpox epidemic, having been exposed to cases of Mpox, or showing signs and symptoms of the disease, the etravel.gov.ph automatically generates an alert. This alert is forwarded to the DOH Bureau of Immigration and Quarantine (DOH-BOQ).
Secondary screening procedure
Travellers flagged up by the system undergo a more thorough secondary screening. If this second examination confirms the suspicion of Mpox, the traveler is immediately transferred to a referral hospital specialized in the management of this pathology.
Current situation in the Philippines
The DOH recently reported the detection of two new cases of Mpox, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 14 since July 2022. Of these cases, only five remain active at present. It is important to note that all the cases identified so far belong to the clade II of the MPXV virus, considered less virulent than the clade I.
Virus strain characteristics
The following table compares the main characteristics of the two Mpox virus clades:
| Features | MPXV clade I | MPXV clade II |
|---|---|---|
| Region of origin | Central Africa | West Africa |
| Mortality rate | 1% to 10% | <1% to 4% |
| Contagiousness | High | Moderate |
| Clinical severity | More severe | Less severe |
| Cases in the Philippines | 0 | 14 |
Categories of travellers concerned
The new measures apply to all categories of travelers, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), tourists and foreign nationals, whether entering or leaving Philippine territory.
The DOH strongly recommends that all travelers complete the e-travel form with the utmost care and honesty. It is advisable to consult a doctor before travelling if you have any doubts about your state of health, particularly if you have recently stayed in an area at risk for Mpox.
The Philippines works closely with neighboring ASEAN countries (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to harmonize border control measures and share epidemiological information in real time. This regional approach aims to create a united front against the potential spread of Mpox in the region.
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