By Edwin Fernandez
COTABATO CITY – Three individuals in Cotabato City have tested positive for mpox (formerly monkeypox), bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to eight, health officials said Tuesday.
Dr. Harris Ali, city health officer, said the three new patients, including a 28-year-old woman currently receiving medication, a 72-year-old man, and a 4-year-old boy, are all under home isolation.
Ali also reported that there are currently 14 suspected mpox cases being monitored in the city.
“I urge the public to visit health centers or the nearest hospital immediately if symptoms of mpox begin to appear, such as fever, cough, body aches, headache, and others,” Ali said in a radio interview.
Across the region, Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, the BARMM health minister, reported that as of June 2, the Bangsamoro region has a total of eight confirmed mpox cases, eight probable cases, and 23 suspected cases.
Sinolinding emphasized that while mpox is a communicable disease, it is preventable through proper hygiene and safety measures. He advised the public to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, ensure proper ventilation in enclosed spaces, wash hands regularly or use hand sanitizer, and strictly avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting mpox symptoms.
“The Ministry of Health continuously conducts surveillance activities and provides necessary support and treatment based on established medical standards of care to all exposed and infected individuals,” he said in a separate interview. (PNA)
