The Cotabato City Health Office (CCHO) has reported that the city has logged three confirmed cases of Mpox as of June 3, 2025.

According to the CCHO, the patients include a 28-year-old woman currently receiving treatment in a hospital, a 72-year-old man, and a four-year-old boy, both of whom are under home isolation and observation.

Authorities said all identified close contacts of the confirmed cases are now under surveillance and close monitoring.

Meanwhile, at least 10 suspected cases are undergoing confirmatory testing, as of this writing.

“Kaya lang siya umabot ng 10 kasi ikinasa natin yung kumbaga high index of suspicion kasi ang gusto natin ay wala tayong ma-misdiagnose na mga cases ng Mpox kahit tingin natin ay chicken pox lang, so kinonsider natin siya as to considered monkeypox at pinapa-test natin,” CCHO Officer-in-Charge Health Officer, Dr. Harris Ali, said.

CCHO explained that there is no cause for panic, emphasizing that Mpox is not as contagious as COVID-19.

“Huwag tayong mag-panic dahil ang Mpox ay hindi naman ganoon kalakas ang effectivity rate niya o yung pagkalat ‘di kagaya nung COVID-19 dati na airborne siya na mas mabilis at mas madali siyang kumalat. Ang Mpox ay hindi siya airborne at saka direct contact lang ang transfer ng sakit,” Ali added.

CCHO reminded the public to remain cautious by following basic health protocols: wash hands frequently use alcohol-based sanitizers, wear face masks, and avoid direct skin-to-skin contact.

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus and usually results in mild illness with rashes. Transmission may be through skin-to-skin contact. Mpox symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, extreme fatigue, headache, sore throat, anal pain, and painful urination. Anyone showing symptoms is advised to seek medical attention immediately.