ILOILO City — Health authorities are on heightened alert following the confirmation of two mpox cases in Iloilo — one in Iloilo City and another in Iloilo Province — both involving patients with no recent travel history, prompting concerns of potential local transmission.
In separate announcements, the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) and the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) confirmed one laboratory-verified mpox case each, with contact tracing and surveillance operations immediately launched to prevent further spread.
Mpox in Iloilo City: Contact Tracing Intensifies
On May 27, Iloilo City recorded its first confirmed mpox case. According to City Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Diaz, the patient is in isolation and in stable condition.
Four more individuals with suspected symptoms are also under close monitoring.
“The confirmed case has no travel history. All identified individuals are in isolation and receiving medical care,” said Dr. Diaz.
Due to privacy considerations, she did not disclose further details such as the gender of the patient, age, residential address, and work, among others.
Dr. Diaz explained that mpox may present with fever, swollen lymph nodes, intense headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and a distinctive rash or lesions, particularly in the anogenital and oral areas.
A confirmed case is verified through laboratory testing like the RT-PCR (Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test.
Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna said the virus spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, exposure to contaminated materials such as clothing or linens, and prolonged face-to-face interaction.
“We advise the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, maintain proper hygiene, and seek immediate medical consultation if symptoms arise,” Dr. Fortuna urged.
Iloilo Province Case: Nine Close Contacts Under Watch
Meanwhile, in Iloilo Province, IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon confirmed that one of three specimens sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) tested positive for mpox.
The patient, who also had no travel history, is under home isolation and recovering well.
“The confirmed case is currently isolated at home and recovering. All nine close contacts are also in isolation and so far show no symptoms,” said Dr. Quiñon.
Quiñon refrained from disclosing the municipality of the patient to avoid discrimination and urged the media to respect privacy.
She emphasized that mpox is preventable and that accurate information is crucial to public safety.
“We appeal to the public not to panic but to remain vigilant. Mpox can be avoided by practicing proper hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Most importantly, let us avoid discrimination and respect patient privacy,” she added.
Unified Response from Local Authorities
Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas, through his spokesperson Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, assured that the city government is coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) and RITM to contain the spread.
“With vigilance, responsible action, and community cooperation, Iloilo City will remain safe and resilient,” Fantilaga-Gorzal said.
In Iloilo Province, Dr. Quiñon said the IPHO is continuing its surveillance not only for mpox but for all notifiable diseases under the DOH watchlist.
Health advisories from global and local agencies are being disseminated.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms typically include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a progressive rash that turns into blisters.
The virus is primarily transmitted through close physical contact, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated materials.
Although there is no specific treatment for mpox, symptoms are typically self-limiting and can be managed with supportive care.
Public Reminded to Stay Informed
Both the CHO and IPHO call on the public to stay calm, be alert to symptoms, and avoid spreading misinformation.
“Awareness is our first line of defense,” stressed Dr. Quiñon. “Let us work together to stop the spread while maintaining compassion and respect for those affected.”
Health officials will continue to issue regular updates and advisories as more information becomes available./PN
