29/05/2025
Question: Can Mpox cause lockdown?
Answer: No, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is unlikely to cause lockdowns similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health experts and organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have emphasized that mpox is not as contagious as COVID-19 and does not warrant the same level of restrictive measures.  
Why Lockdowns Are Unlikely for Mpox
• Transmission Mode: Mpox primarily spreads through close physical contact, such as skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, or exposure to contaminated materials. It is not airborne like COVID-19, making widespread transmission less probable . 
• Expert Consensus: Infectious disease specialists have stated that lockdowns are neither likely nor effective for controlling mpox. The WHO has not recommended lockdowns in response to mpox outbreaks . 
• Containment Strategies: Effective control of mpox relies on targeted measures such as vaccination, public education, and isolation of infected individuals, rather than broad societal restrictions .
Current Situation in the Philippines
As of May 2025, the Philippines has reported a limited number of mpox cases, with no deaths. The Department of Health has not declared a public health emergency related to mpox, and there are no indications of impending lockdowns . 
Conclusion
While mpox remains a public health concern, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources, it does not pose the same level of threat as COVID-19 in terms of transmission and severity. Therefore, widespread lockdowns are not anticipated as a response to mpox outbreaks.
Dili lang magpanic. Education is key.
Sources:
Euronews Health:
👉 https://www.euronews.com/health/2024/08/24/will-mpox-trigger-a-new-global-pandemic-experts-agree-its-concerning-but-not-covid
2. Reuters Fact Check:
👉 https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/facy-check-who-did-not-ask-governments-prepare-mpox-lockdowns-august-2024-2024-08-27/
