Mpox suspected case monitored in Lanao del Sur

Health officials are closely observing a woman from Malabang, Lanao del Sur, admitted to Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City for a suspected mpox case.

The patient's blood samples have been sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for confirmation, and it is still considered a suspected case.

Physicians stated that the symptoms could also be indicative of other viral diseases like chickenpox.

The Lanao del Sur provincial health office has placed the province on code white alert and reactivated its disease surveillance units.

Contact tracing with at least seven people who may have had direct contact with the patient has already started.

Health authorities advised residents to exercise heightened vigilance and precautions, including avoiding close contact with infected individuals, wearing protective gear, and washing hands regularly.