15 mpox cases confirmed in 3 Mindanao provinces

Fifteen cases of monkeypox (mpox) have been recorded in three provinces in Mindanao, with South Cotabato confirming 10 cases, Sultan Kudarat having three patients, and Maguindanao del Norte detecting two cases.

In South Cotabato, the ten confirmed patients are currently isolated and under close monitoring by medical professionals in five of its towns and its capital city, Koronadal.

The affected towns in South Cotabato include Banga, Tantangan, Lake Sebu, Surallah, and T'boli, with Koronadal City also reporting one case.

Provincial officials, led by Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., are collaborating with the Department of Health 12 and the Provincial Health Office to contain the spread of the virus.

The Integrated Provincial Health Office chief, Dr. Conrado M. Braña, Jr., affirmed that all necessary measures are being implemented to prevent further transmission within the province.

The mpox virus can be transmitted through intimate, skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated objects.

Health experts advise proper hygiene, including hand washing, to avoid infection, and symptom monitoring for rashes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.