ILOILO City – Amid growing concerns over local mpox transmission, this city is intensifying its campaign to curb the spread of the disease following the confirmation of six cases — part of a broader pattern that health officials warn could escalate without swift public cooperation.
The Iloilo City Health Office (ICHO) confirmed on June 9 that six individuals — five males and one female — have tested positive for mpox.
While the city’s first recorded patient has already recovered as of June 5, the remaining confirmed and suspected cases are now under close monitoring and isolation.
In total, 12 individuals have been identified — six confirmed and six suspected cases awaiting laboratory confirmation. All patients are in stable condition, according to ICHO chief Dr. Mary Ann Diaz.
Faced with the possibility of community spread, the city government has launched an aggressive information and containment drive, targeting sectors considered most vulnerable to infection due to mobility, living conditions, or lifestyle risk factors.
“We are working closely with schools, barangay officials, boardinghouses, religious groups, BPOs (business process outsourcing companies), the transport sector, and other regional government offices to strengthen preventive measures and contain the spread of the virus,” Dr. Diaz said.
Mpox is a viral infection transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, intimate sexual activity, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated materials like clothing and bed linens. The symptoms include fever, rash, blisters, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches.
The city’s campaign now includes focused community orientations, information dissemination, and monitoring activities, particularly in high-density areas and among mobile populations such as call center employees, students, and transient workers.
Dr. Diaz emphasized the importance of early detection and responsible behavior: “Let us work together to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our community.”
The CHO continues to remind the public to:
* Seek early medical consultation for any symptoms.
* Report symptoms truthfully and isolate when needed.
* Practice regular handwashing and mask-wearing in public.
* Wear long clothing when in public places or while traveling.
* Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
* Engage in safe and responsible sexual behavior, including limiting partners and using protection.
To bolster its response, the CHO has activated a dedicated mpox hotline for consultation and reporting:
* Globe: 0995-638-2338
* Smart: 0908-213-0980
While no deaths have been reported, officials warn that complacency could undo current containment efforts./PN
