Mpox cases recorded in CV, other areas

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DoH-7) bared Tuesday that it has recorded six cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) since 2024.

Newly assumed DoH-7 Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes said five of the six patients have already recovered, while one fatality was reported in Talisay City.

“The one death case in Talisay City was confirmed but the cause of death was not due to Mpox. He had comorbidity and his immune system declined which added to complications,” Brillantes stressed.

All six confirmed cases were male and aged 40 and below.

He added that even the individual who died had initially shown signs of recovery but experienced complications due to underlying health conditions.

City and regional health officials are urging the public to remain calm but vigilant, practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, and immediately report any suspected cases to health authorities.

There are four individuals in Cebu City that are currently under hospital isolation as suspected cases of Mpox.

There is one in Mandaue City and Talisay City, respectively.

In Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, the city government confirmed that three people recovered from Mpox since 30 May.

According to the City Health Office’s City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, the first Mpox case was laboratory confirmed in March, while the other two were detected in April and May, respectively.

City Health Officer II Dr. Arminda A. Adecer said that the patients underwent strict monitoring and isolation, and are now fully recovered, adding that there is no evidence of widespread community transmission of the said illness.

“All suspected cases and probable cases are immediately tested through the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for confirmation,” she said.

The City Health Office reminded the public to observe respiratory etiquette, wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and refrain from going to crowded places.

Meanwhile, in Baguio City, the local government of La Trinidad, the capital town of the province of Benguet is conducting an investigation on reports of a suspected case of MPox in the municipality.

“As of this official statement, there are no confirmed cases of Mpox originating from La Trinidad. This has been directly verified with the Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit,” the official statement of the LGU read.

The announcement of the municipal government stressed that there is a close coordination with the concerned agencies for immediate clarification and comprehensive verification.

A story was circulated online claiming a first case of Mpox infection in the province and was listed in La Trinidad. It was even made news by one of the national news media network.