Sibugay confirms first Mpox case

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — The Zamboanga Sibugay provincial government has assured the public that proper health surveillance and response systems are in place to contain the situation and spread of monkeypox (Mpox) in the province.

Sibugay Gov. Dr. Dulce Ann Hofer said on Sunday that the Provincial Health Office (PHO) is taking all necessary steps to contain the spread of the infectious disease.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Zamboanga Sibugay confirmed on Saturday the first positive case of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the province.

Governor Hofer said the patient, a three-year-old girl resident of Tungawan town in this province, is currently in recovery after receiving appropriate medical care at Dr. George T. Hofer Medical Center (DGTHMC).

The patient was diagnosed at the Tungawan Rural Health Office on 5 May 2025, during which, blood sample was collected and sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa for confirmatory testing.

After confirming that the patient is suffering from Mpox, the patient and her immediate family were placed under home quarantine since 5 May, and contact tracing was immediately undertaken to prevent the spread of the disease, and ordered all health facilities to activate disease surveillance systems with the installation of fast lanes.

The lady governor assures the public that health surveillance and response systems are in place and all necessary steps are being undertaken to contain the situation the spread of monkeypox in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Early detection and accurate diagnosis are keys to effective management and containment of the infectious disease, she said.

Mpox is a viral infection that is typically self-limiting and transmitted through close, prolonged physical contact.

Mpox can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain and low energy. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

According to Governor Hofer, the PHO, in coordination with the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue updates as needed.