CAPIZ – This province’s first recorded case of mpox has fully recovered.
This was confirmed by Dr. Ramon Alex Nolasco, medical officer of the Provincial Health Office (CPHO), adding that other suspected mpox cases in the province are currently in “good health” while awaiting their laboratory test results from the RITM.
The CPHO announced the province’s first confirmed case on June 20, following a positive result from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing conducted by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on a submitted specimen.
In response to the development, the CPHO has intensified its surveillance, monitoring, and response activities through close coordination with all 17 local government units (LGUs), five government hospitals, and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs). These grassroots teams are instrumental in monitoring and responding quickly to potential cases at the community level.
The provincial health office is working hand in hand with LGUs and other relevant agencies to ensure a comprehensive approach to containment. This includes implementing protocols for effective case management and mitigation of the outbreak.
Suspected cases have been reported in Roxas City and the nearby towns of Jamindan, Dumalag, Pilar, Pontevedra, and Sapian — prompting heightened public health vigilance and swift action across the affected areas.
“The public is strongly advised to strictly observe the minimum public health standards (MPHS),” Nolasco emphasized, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in preventing the spread of the virus.
To safeguard public health, the provincial government has issued the following precautionary guidelines:
* Wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer when soap is not available.
* Wear face masks in enclosed or crowded areas to reduce the risk of respiratory transmission.
* Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette, and maintain a safe distance from individuals showing symptoms such as fever, unexplained rashes, or swollen lymph nodes.
* Seek immediate medical consultation at the nearest healthcare facility if experiencing symptoms.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus and is primarily transmitted through close or intimate contact with an infected individual — including sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, hugging, or any form of direct skin-to-skin interaction. The virus can also spread indirectly through contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing, utensils, linens, or surfaces, as well as through medical or tattoo equipment that has not been properly sterilized.
“By following these safety measures and remaining vigilant, the community can help manage and mitigate the impact of this viral outbreak,” the CPHO said./PN
