By Perla Lena
ILOILO CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) confirmed one laboratory-tested case of mpox (monkeypox) and four suspect cases in Iloilo City as of Tuesday.
All five individuals are currently in isolation and receiving medical care, with their conditions reported as stable.
“All identified cases in Iloilo City are currently in isolation, receiving appropriate medical care, and are in stable condition. Due to privacy considerations, further details will not be disclosed,” CHO head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said during a media conference.
Diaz said they are conducting active case findings and contact tracing in coordination with allied health institutions in the city.
Suspect and probable cases are undergoing specimen collection and laboratory testing through the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for confirmation.
Diaz said the cases have no travel history.
“At present, there is no evidence of widespread community transmission. But health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are implementing the necessary public measures,” she added.
CHO Medical Officer IV, Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, emphasized that mpox is a viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, bodily fluids, and respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face exposure, or contaminated materials.
Symptomatic individuals are required to isolate for 21 days, Fortuna said.
Common symptoms include fever, severe headaches, muscle and back pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a distinct rash.
“Based on our guidelines, those symptomatic should isolate themselves for 21 days. We are monitoring close contacts, and we advise them to monitor their symptoms,” Fortuna said.
Preventive measures include avoiding close or intimate contact with suspected cases, maintaining hand hygiene, not sharing personal items, avoiding contact with animals, especially wild mammals, and seeking prompt medical consultation when symptoms appear.
In previous years, Iloilo documented five suspect mpox cases in 2022 and 11 in 2024.
Meanwhile, Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, spokesperson for Mayor Jerry Treñas, said the chief executive is calling on the public to remain calm, follow health advisories, and cooperate with ongoing efforts.
The city government continues to implement proactive public health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all Ilonggos,” she said. (PNA)
