Viral disease monkey pox (Mpox) has reached the city and province of Iloilo.
The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) confirmed the city’s first case of Mpox on May 27, 2025.
According to CHO Head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz, one individual was tested positive for monkeypox following laboratory analysis.
Additionally, four others are under observation as suspected cases, according to the Iloilo City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU).
The patients are currently isolated and receiving medical attention, with all reported to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Provincial Health Office also confirmed one Mpox case in the province of Iloilo.
PHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon said that of the three specimen sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), two turned out negative while one came out positive.
The patient has no travel history, is currently under home isolation and is recuperating. Nine persons were traced as close contacts and are also undergoing home isolation.
Quiñon, however, did not disclose the identity and the whereabouts of the Mpox positive individual.
She added, this is the first case of Mpox this year and the province also recorded one case in 2022.
“At present, there is no evidence of widespread community transmission. But health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are implementing the necessary public measures,” Diaz said.
CHO Medical Officer IV, Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, emphasized that Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, bodily fluids, and respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face exposure, or contaminated materials.
Symptomatic individuals are required to isolate for 21 days, Fortuna said.
Common symptoms include fever, severe headaches, muscle and back pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a distinct rash.
“Based on our guidelines, those symptomatic should isolate themselves for 21 days. We are monitoring close contacts, and we advise them to monitor their symptoms,” Fortuna said.
Preventive measures include avoiding close or intimate contact with suspected cases, maintaining hand hygiene, not sharing personal items, avoiding contact with animals, especially wild mammals, and seeking prompt medical consultation when symptoms appear.
In previous years, Iloilo documented five suspect mpox cases in 2022 and 11 in 2024.
Meanwhile, Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, spokesperson for Mayor Jerry Treñas, said the chief executive is calling on the public to remain calm, follow health advisories, and cooperate with ongoing efforts.
The city government continues to implement proactive public health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all Ilonggos,” she said.
Quiñon, on the other hand, advised the public to remain calm but vigilant and protect themselves from getting infected.
The PHO continues with its disease surveillance for a timely prevention and response measure. (with reports from PNA)
