The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) announced that the city has recorded four confirmed and two suspected cases of monkeypox (Mpox).
“We have a total of six cases as of now, four of which are laboratory-confirmed,” said CHO Head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz during a press conference.
All patients are separate cases, with one having a travel history within the country. They are currently in isolation, receiving medical treatment, and are in stable condition.
“Right now, we are still investigating the proper definition of what qualifies as community transmission,” Diaz added when asked if the city had confirmed any community transmission or outbreak.
According to Department of Health protocols, close contacts of these six cases are not mandated to isolate unless they exhibit signs and symptoms.
Common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, intense headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and characteristic skin rashes. Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and children are more vulnerable to the illness.
“Anyone can be affected by Mpox, though all recorded cases in Iloilo City so far involve adults.”
Diaz emphasized that anyone can be affected by Mpox, though all recorded cases in Iloilo City so far involve adults.
The city government is currently drafting a letter to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Metro Manila, requesting that the city’s Uswag Molecular Laboratory in Molo District be authorized to conduct confirmatory testing.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has urged the public to take preventive measures.
“We must understand what it is.”
“We recognize this as a threat. We must understand what it is. That is why I have requested our task force to continue holding briefings,” Treñas.
The Iloilo City Health Office is actively coordinating with schools, barangay officials, border checkpoints, and workplaces to strengthen the city’s collective prevention and containment efforts.
Upcoming stakeholder meetings are scheduled as follows: June 2 with City Hall department heads; June 3 with barangays, business sector, transport sector, Iloilo City Police Office, Bureau of Quarantine, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Ports Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard; June 4 with schools, universities, boarding houses, regional offices, and religious sector; and June 5 with BPOs, social hygiene clinics, and representatives of the sex worker community.
“Our City Health Office (CHO) has started outreach, and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is ready to assist barangay officials,” the mayor added.
Meanwhile, the first confirmed case of Mpox in the city is reportedly recovering and is nearing the end of the 21-day isolation period. However, if the patient continues to exhibit symptoms, isolation will be extended as per protocol, whichever is longer.
City health authorities call for the community’s cooperation by remaining vigilant, seeking early medical consultation, and reporting symptoms accurately and honestly.
Ilonggos are also urged to practice frequent handwashing, wear face masks, wear long-sleeved clothing, avoid crowded places when possible, and travel safely and mindfully.
