Iloilo City logs 1st mpox case; 4 others under observation

The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) on Tuesday confirmed its first case of monkeypox (mpox), with four additional suspected cases currently under close observation.

CHO head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said that all five individuals are now in isolation and they are in stable condition.

“Since we now have one confirmed case, it is important to observe proper hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap, and use alcohol-based sanitizers,” Dr. Diaz said. 

Dr. Diaz also advised the public to avoid crowded places to minimize skin-to-skin contact and to seek early medical consultation and self-isolate if symptoms appear.

Mpox, a viral disease similar to smallpox but generally less severe, is characterized by symptoms such as fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, low energy, and distinct skin rashes.

According to the CHO, contact tracing is ongoing to determine possible exposures and ensure timely intervention. Specimens from suspected and probable cases are being processed in coordination with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Dr. Diaz, meanwhile, emphasized that the confirmed case had no recent travel history, and there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission.

Case monitoring

In an official statement issued on the same day, the City Government of Iloilo, through Mayor Jerry P. Treñas' spokesperson Joy F. Fantilaga-Gorzal, assured the public that the local government is taking swift and coordinated action.

“The City Health Office is on top of the situation,” Fantilaga-Gorzal said.

"The CHO is working round the clock in coordination with national health agencies and the RITM to carry out specimen collection, laboratory testing, and case monitoring.”

The mayor also directed all concerned departments to fully support the CHO’s efforts. 

“The City Government continues to implement proactive public health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all Ilonggos,” the statement read.

Authorities urged the public to remain calm, follow health advisories, and cooperate with ongoing containment efforts.

The CHO is expected to release official advisories in the coming days to guide residents on preventive measures and proper responses to symptoms. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News