DOH warns vs fake news amid mpox reports

There is no lockdown happening anywhere in the Philippines due to the spread of mpox, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Saturday, 31 May.

The DOH reminded the public to be cautious of social media pages spreading false or misleading information about mpox.

"There were more mpox cases in 2024. There were also more cases recorded in April than in May 2025. It just happens to be making headlines because local government units (LGUs) are active and announcing now," said DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo in Filipino.

Domingo also assured the public that the more transmissible Clade 1b variant of mpox has not been detected in the country.

"There's still no mpox Clade 1b seen here in the Philippines. We only have Clade II. The mortality rate of Clade II is lower, about one in 10, compared to four to five of Clade 1b," he explained.

The health official also emphasized that there is no need for a lockdown, as mpox is not airborne. He urged the public to avoid believing fake news, especially those promoting unverified health products.

The latest mpox case was a resident of Maco, Davao de Oro, who has since recovered. Two other suspected cases are under monitoring — one in Maco and another in Nabunturan.

In Iloilo Province, another confirmed case has also been declared recovered, while four individuals remain under isolation and observation for possible infection.

In Bacolod City, authorities are closely monitoring hotels, spas, wet markets, and terminals to prevent any outbreak.

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with infected persons or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that progresses through several stages.

As of December 2024, the Philippines had recorded 52 mpox cases with no reported fatalities.