MPOX SCARE: To mask or not to mask? Check out what experts are saying

National

ARE we masking up for the right reasons?

With mpox (formerly monkeypox) cases being monitored in Cebu and other parts of the country, some people are reaching for face masks again, a habit shaped by years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic.

But health experts say the current situation calls for a different kind of caution.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It spreads mainly through direct contact with skin lesions, mucous membranes, body fluids, and contaminated objects like clothing, bedding, and surfaces.

It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets, but only in cases of prolonged and close physical contact, such as living with or caring for an infected person.

Common symptoms include skin rashes or lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, back pain, and fatigue. Animals, especially mammals, can also carry the virus and may show signs such as rashes, fever, or loss of appetite.

Unlike COVID-19, mpox is not classified as airborne, and the risk of casual respiratory transmission in public settings remains low.

Are face masks necessary?

Health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), do not recommend routine masking for the general public to prevent mpox.

While there was brief confusion in 2024 when the CDC suggested masking for travelers, the agency quickly withdrew the guidance and clarified that mpox transmission through respiratory droplets requires sustained close contact.

Experts say the recent surge in face mask purchases is more a product of pandemic-era anxiety than evidence-based prevention. Community-wide masking is not considered necessary for mpox at this time.

When is masking appropriate?

Masks may be helpful in certain high-risk situations:

If you are infected with mpox

If you live with or are caring for someone with mpox

If you are a healthcare or frontline worker managing suspected or confirmed mpox cases

In these cases, wearing a mask can help reduce the risk of droplet transmission, especially during prolonged exposure. However, health officials emphasize that direct skin contact remains the primary mode of spread.

In households with mpox cases, regular disinfection, proper laundering of clothing and linens, and minimizing physical contact are more effective measures.

What the DOH advises

To guide the public, the Department of Health (DOH) issued updated interim guidelines under Department Memorandum No. 2024-0306. The DOH stresses that prevention remains key and outlines the following recommendations:

Avoid close or intimate contact with people showing symptoms of mpox

Practice frequent and proper handwashing or use of alcohol-based sanitizers

Disinfect commonly touched surfaces, linens, and personal items

Avoid contact with sick or dead animals, particularly in areas where mpox has been reported

Healthcare workers and caregivers are advised to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection, when handling cases involving bodily fluids or lesions.

Travelers are also urged to stay informed about mpox risks in their destinations and to follow health protocols accordingly.

For the general public, wearing a face mask isn’t a necessary precaution against mpox. Instead, health experts recommend focusing on proven prevention measures: avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, practice good hygiene, disinfect shared spaces, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

Mpox is not COVID-19, and protecting yourself starts with understanding how it really spreads.(TGP)