Clinical Scorecard: Mpox Risk Among Massage Therapists in the Philippines
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) infection
Key Mechanisms
Transmission through close contact including skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-skin contact, and respiratory particles; predominantly spread via sexual contact during the 2022 global outbreak
Target Population
Massage therapists and associated sex workers in the Philippines engaged in close physical and sexual contact with clients
Care Setting
Community and public health settings including massage parlors, rural health units, and government health agencies
Key Highlights
Mpox cases in the Philippines have increased from zero in July 2022 to 18 confirmed cases by August 2024, with predictions of further rise.
Massage therapy involving 'extra service' sexual activities poses a high risk for mpox transmission due to close physical contact.
Sex work is illegal in the Philippines and often disguised as massage therapy, complicating public health interventions.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Identify suspected mpox cases based on exposure history and clinical signs following close contact with confirmed or probable cases.
Management
Implement vaccination for high-risk populations such as massage therapists and sex workers.
Conduct country-wide information campaigns led by the Department of Health to improve case management and surveillance.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Perform efficient contact tracing with daily monitoring or self-monitoring of contacts for 21 days from last exposure.
Risks
Close physical and sexual contact in massage therapy settings increases mpox transmission risk.
Stigma and criminalization of sex work hinder access to healthcare and public health interventions.
Patient & Prescribing Data
High-risk individuals including massage therapists and sex workers involved in close physical contact with clients
Mpox vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups to prevent infection; broad vaccination is not currently advised.
Clinical Best Practices
Lead targeted information campaigns through government health departments to educate and monitor at-risk populations.
Prioritize vaccination policies for vulnerable groups with close contact exposure.
Establish efficient contact tracing and monitoring protocols for suspected and confirmed mpox cases.
Consider border control measures with countries having heightened mpox alerts to prevent importation.
