CAPIZ — The provincial government of Capiz, through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), confirmed the province’s first case of mpox following laboratory testing conducted by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
According to the official statement released by the Office of the Governor yesterday, June 20, the case was among the seven suspected mpox infections reported on June 17. Laboratory tests yielded one positive and one negative result through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
The confirmed patient is now under home isolation and is being closely monitored by the concerned local health office. The PHO reported that the patient’s skin lesions are nearly healed, and all identified close contacts have already been traced, assessed, and monitored.
Coordination with local government units (LGUs), concerned offices, and partner agencies is ongoing to ensure comprehensive containment.
To boost its response efforts, the PHO has mobilized all 17 local health offices (LHOs), five government hospitals, and barangay health emergency response teams (BHERTs) across the province to intensify surveillance, monitoring, and response operations.
In light of the confirmed case, the provincial government urged Capisnons to remain calm, cooperative, and vigilant. The public is reminded to strictly follow the minimum public health standards (MPHS), which include regular and proper hand hygiene, wearing face masks in enclosed or crowded spaces, observing cough and sneeze etiquette, avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms such as fever, unexplained rash, or swollen lymph nodes, and seeking prompt medical consultation when symptoms appear
The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to protect the health and well-being of all Capisnons. Updates and health advisories will be disseminated through the Capiz Provincial Government Communication Group and the official platforms of the PHO./PN
