ILOILO – The lone confirmed mpox case in this province has been declared fully recovered, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) announced, as health authorities continue to monitor five identified close contacts who have so far remained symptom-free.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the PHO, said the patient has met the recovery criteria set by the Department of Health (DOH).
“Based on our latest assessment, the mpox case is now considered recovered. The patient’s lesions have completely healed as of May 23,” Quiñon said.
She added that the five household close contacts — revised from an earlier report of nine — are under home quarantine and are expected to complete the 21-day observation period by June 12.
“None of them have shown any symptoms, but we continue to observe the standard protocol until the end of the quarantine period,” Quiñon said.
Under DOH Memorandum 2024-0306, patients with mild and uncomplicated mpox symptoms may undergo home isolation for at least 21 days from the onset of symptoms until all lesions have healed and scabs have fallen off.
The declaration of recovery on May 23 marked Day 22 of the patient’s illness, prompting authorities to start the quarantine period for close contacts from that date.
Quiñon emphasized that barangay health workers, local officials, and concerned local government units are closely supporting the patient and their family, while the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), in coordination with disease reporting units in rural health units and district hospitals, maintains active surveillance for all notifiable diseases.
She also reiterated the importance of preventive measures, advising the public to:
* Practice proper hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs;
* Observe respiratory etiquette such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and washing hands immediately afterward;
* Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, handrails, and tables;
* Avoid close physical contact, especially intimate skin-to-skin interactions, with individuals showing possible mpox symptoms.
For accurate updates and health information, the public is encouraged to refer only to the official social media page of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office.
The confirmed mpox case was announced by the PHO on May 28. The patient had no travel history and was among three specimens sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), with two others testing negative.
This marks the second mpox case recorded in the province since 2022. The earlier case also recovered./PN
