2 confirmed mpox cases in Maguindanao del Norte, 6 suspected cases under testing, 10 cases in South Cotabato

The Bangsamoro health ministry confirmed two mpox cases in Maguindanao del Norte and is monitoring six other potential infections, while South Cotabato has recorded a total of 10 cases as of May 22.

Both recovered patients from the Bangsamoro region are a 59-year-old woman from Sultan Kudarat and a 28-year-old woman from Datu Odin Sinsuat.

Health Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding stated that contact tracing is underway for recent close contacts in the Bangsamoro region, while South Cotabato's Integrated Provincial Health Office has intensified efforts to monitor and trace individuals who have had direct contact with confirmed patients.

Six suspected cases in the Bangsamoro region are undergoing confirmatory testing at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Manila, alongside the increased vigilance and awareness in South Cotabato as reported by Eldon Hans Serame of IPHO-South Cotabato.

The ministry emphasized early detection to prevent transmission, urging residents to report any potential symptoms immediately, while Dr. Conrado Braña noted that minimum health standards practiced during the pandemic have contributed to increased protection against mpox.