BACOLOD City – In response to the recent surge in cases of monkeypox (mpox) and glanders in nearby areas, officials from various offices in this city convened on May 29 to strategize on disease prevention efforts.
The emergency meeting was called by Acting Mayor El Cid Familiaran following reports confirming mpox cases in Iloilo City and the province of Iloilo, where patients are currently in isolation.
Additionally, the Department of Health (DOH) in the Negros Island Region confirmed that two individuals in Siquijor have died of glanders—a rare but highly contagious bacterial infection.
Familiaran emphasized the need for proactive measures, especially considering Bacolod’s geographic proximity to the affected provinces and the fact that Siquijor and Negros Occidental are now part of one administrative region.
The acting mayor directed the City Health Office (CHO) to issue a public health advisory on mpox and glanders. He also expressed openness to creating a dedicated task force, should the situation escalate.
With the resumption of classes next month, Familiaran instructed the Department of Education (DepEd) – Bacolod Schools Division to launch information campaigns in schools. The CHO was also tasked to conduct similar awareness efforts in public establishments such as hotels, transport terminals, bars, and other areas where people gather.
Barangay officials will also be mobilized to support the dissemination of accurate information to the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution during its regular session on May 29, urging the City Mayor’s Office to implement preventive measures against mpox.
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can result in a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
Councilor Jason Villarosa, proponent of the said resolution, cited data from the Philippine Information Agency, which reported that as of May 22, the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Koronadal City, South Cotabato recorded 19 mpox-related cases. Of these, 10 were confirmed, three remain under observation, and six tested negative.
He also noted that Zamboanga Sibugay confirmed its first mpox case on May 24.
“Considering the close proximity of these provinces to this city, preventive measures are highly recommended according to the discretion and expertise of the agencies and departments concerned,” Villarosa stressed.
On the other hand, authorities in Negros Occidental are closely monitoring for possible cases of glanders, a bacterial infection that affects livestock such as cows, horses, carabaos, hogs, goats, and dogs—and which can also be transmitted to humans.
Glanders is caused by the Burkholderia mallei bacterium and spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. It presents symptoms such as fever, respiratory complications, and abscesses, and is often fatal if left untreated.
City officials reiterated the importance of early detection, awareness, and hygiene in preventing the spread of these diseases./PN
