ILOILO City – With confirmed mpox cases in the city rising to four and two more under investigation, the City Health Office (CHO) is moving to strengthen preventive measures in schools ahead of class openings — but has ruled out, for now, any cancellation or postponement.
City Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said that while no outbreak has been declared as of June 2, the CHO remains on high alert, particularly with the start of classes fast approaching.
“The plan is we will be conducting meetings with the school principals and universities. I will push for the implementation of preventive measures,” she said in an interview Monday.
Diaz said a meeting with school heads is scheduled for June 4 to assess the situation and lay down precautionary actions to minimize transmission.
Though she did not call for class suspensions, she acknowledged that the city is considering all options, including a potential delay in school openings should the situation deteriorate.
The CHO is coordinating with educational institutions on measures such as symptom monitoring, stricter isolation protocols, and intensified health information campaigns.
Students, parents, and staff are being urged to adhere strictly to health guidelines — wearing facemasks, washing hands regularly, and isolating immediately if symptoms arise.
Mpox, a viral disease similar to smallpox but generally less severe, spreads through close physical contact, including contact with infectious lesions, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials./PN