The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) has confirmed one laboratory-tested case and four suspect cases of mpox (monkeypox) as of Tuesday. All five individuals are currently in isolation, receiving medical care, and are reported to be in stable condition.
CHO head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz shared during a media conference that contact tracing and active case finding are ongoing, in coordination with local health institutions. Further personal details remain confidential for privacy reasons.
Dr. Diaz clarified that all current cases have no travel history, and there is no evidence yet of widespread community transmission. However, the city is maintaining heightened surveillance and enforcing precautionary health protocols.
Suspect and probable cases are undergoing testing through the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
CHO Medical Officer IV, Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, explained that mpox is a viral illness transmitted via direct contact with infected individuals, bodily fluids, prolonged face-to-face exposure to respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. He advised symptomatic individuals to isolate for 21 days, which is the standard protocol.
Typical symptoms include:
- Fever
- Severe headaches
- Muscle and back pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- A distinctive rash
Fortuna urged the public to avoid close contact with suspected cases, maintain good hygiene, refrain from sharing personal items, and avoid interaction with wild animals.
Iloilo previously recorded five suspect mpox cases in 2022 and 11 in 2024, though none were confirmed at the time.
Mayor Jerry Treñas, through spokesperson Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, called on the public to stay calm, follow health advisories, and cooperate with all containment efforts.
“The city government continues to implement proactive public health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all Ilonggos,” she said.