Iloilo reports 1 confirmed mpox case, 4 suspects; health alert issued

Iloilo City's Health Office confirmed its first case of monkeypox (mpox) and four suspected cases in Iloilo City, while one positive case was also reported in Iloilo Province, with all individuals currently stable under isolation.

Health authorities are conducting active case finding and contact tracing, and suspect and probable cases undergo specimen collection and testing at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

CHO head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz advised the public to observe proper hygiene, avoid crowded places, and seek early medical consultation if symptoms appear.

Symptomatic individuals are required to isolate for 21 days with common symptoms including fever, rash, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely in Iloilo and other regions like Zamboanga where five suspected cases have been reported, emphasizing there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission.