Iloilo City and Iloilo Province logged one case each of monkeypox (mpox).

The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) announced of one case of monkeypox in the city on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, while the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) also confirmed of one case in the province. 

The CHO did not provide further details on the patient, but disclosed that the patient has no travel history.

It was not determined yet whether the case is locally transmitted.

“It is still under investigation actually. Alam natin na maraming foreigners ang pumupunta sa atin kung saan known na marami ang mpox sa kanila. Kailangan natin na ma-find ang index case that’s why we are very careful in saying kung ano ang details,” Dr. Jan Reygine Ansino-Hortinela, chief of the Iloilo CHO.

In addition, four suspected cases of mpox are being monitored in Iloilo City.

The five patients are under isolation, while they are undergoing medical treatment. They are said to be in stable condition.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo PHO confirmed of one mpox case in the province.

The patient has not had any history of travel either.

“Currently on home isolation at patuloy na nagpapagaling. Ang mga close contacts, a total of nine lahat sila, naka-isolate rin at base sa monitoring, wala pa ring sintomas ng mpox,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, head of Iloilo PHO.

Among the symptoms of Mpox are itchiness especially on the face and palms, fever, and sore throat.

Transmission may be through skin-to-skin contact.

Health authorities reminded the public on proper hygiene beginning with proper hand washing.

Isolation could last up to 21 days for confirmed case until the patient heals.

In relation to this, state health workers strengthen contact tracing and case finding.

At the onset of any of the symptoms, specimen will be collected for laboratory testing. It would take three days for the release of the result.

“Since it is viral, self-limiting siya. Gumagaling lang siya (nang kusa). So, it is more of supportive treatment. We treat the pain, we treat the fever, we’ll treat the itchiness,” according to Dr. Mary Ann Poli-Diaz, Iloilo CHO head.

The Iloilo CHO said there is no evidence yet to support widespread community transmission of mpox in the city.

The outgoing mayor of Iloilo City, Jerry Treñas, urged the public to stay calm amid the situation.