Bacolod Confirms First Monkeypox Case, Public Urged to Stay Calm

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) confirmed the first case of monkeypox (mpox) here on Sunday afternoon, though no further details were released as of this writing.

According to the city’s Public Information Office (PIO), the patient is in stable condition and is currently receiving appropriate care and monitoring at a designated health facility.

The CHO, in coordination with Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), has activated protocols to manage the situation and ensure public safety.

The city government urged the public to avoid discrimination toward patients or their families and emphasized the importance of compassion and support in aiding full recovery, both physically and emotionally.

Authorities also assured that necessary precautions are in place and that coordination with national health agencies is ongoing.

The CHO continues to monitor the situation to help prevent further spread.

Residents are advised to remain calm, maintain proper hygiene, follow health protocols, and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

The CHO warned that mpox may pose a higher risk to vulnerable groups, including immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, persons with diabetes, senior citizens, children, malnourished individuals, patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those with chronic illnesses.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez previously ordered stricter border controls at entry points into the city in response to mpox cases reported in neighboring Iloilo City.

Among the proposed measures was the installation of scanners at the Bredco Port and the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City to detect individuals with flu-like symptoms.

Benitez said the city has also conducted contact tracing to contain the disease’s spread.

He added that the CHO is working closely with the Department of Health (DOH), CLMMRH, and other agencies to ensure a swift and effective response.

“I want to assure everyone that the city government has long prepared for situations like this,” Benitez said.

“Mpox is a manageable disease, and with proper health protocols, we can prevent further spread.”

He urged the public not to spread unverified information and avoid causing unnecessary panic.

“Rest assured, your city government is taking all necessary steps to protect your health and safety,” he said.

“We have overcome challenges before—and with unity and vigilance, we will do so again.”

Benitez encouraged residents to observe hygiene protocols such as regular handwashing, wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, avoiding close contact with individuals showing flu-like symptoms or unexplained skin rashes, and relying only on official updates from the DOH and Bacolod PIO.