DAVAO CITY – The Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) has confirmed two mpox (formerly monkeypox) cases in Davao City and called on residents to remain alert against false information circulating about the virus.
The Davao City Health Office confirmed the cases on April 16, based on data from the DOH-Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. Both patients were isolated at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. One of them, who was severely immunocompromised, later died due to unrelated complications.
“Be prepared for the threat of mpox,” DOH-11 said in a public advisory. “Remember, prevention is better than cure.”
The agency listed common mpox symptoms, including skin rashes or mucosal lesions lasting two to four weeks, often with fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, back pain, muscle aches, and low energy.
DOH-11 reassured the public that the reported cases involve the same Clade II variant seen in previous months and that there is no increased danger.
“Established mpox response measures are effectively in place,” it said. “Surveillance systems detected the cases early, leading to timely isolation. All identified close contacts are being monitored.”