Benitez Orders Probe Into Bacolod’s First Mpox Case

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has directed the City Health Office to trace the source of Bacolod’s first confirmed case of monkeypox (Mpox), stressing that it does not appear to be a local transmission.

Benitez said Monday that the patient has no travel history outside the city, prompting authorities to investigate how the virus was contracted.

“Ga-ask ko paano siya nalatnan, diin halin?” (I was asking how he contracted the virus—what’s the source?), Benitez said.

He suggested that the infection may have come from individuals who arrived from other areas or countries.

Benitez explained that based on current information, the Mpox variant is not easily transmitted via droplets, but rather through intimate contact or saliva.

“But still, we will be vigilant,” he said.

Thermal scanners have been installed at Bredco Port to monitor travelers with flu-like symptoms.

Benitez said the city plans to coordinate with the Negros Occidental provincial government and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to implement similar screenings at the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City.

He emphasized that the case appears to be isolated.

The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital confirmed that, as of June 14, it is treating the city’s first Mpox case.

The city government officially announced the case on June 15.

The patient, referred by the CHO on June 13, remains in stable condition under isolation with full infection control protocols in place, according to the hospital.

CLMMRH said the risk of transmission remains low, as Mpox is not airborne.

The hospital advised people showing symptoms, especially rashes, to seek early medical consultation and avoid close skin contact and sharing personal items.

It also encouraged handwashing and good hygiene practices.

CLMMRH called on the public to show compassion and avoid discrimination, especially against individuals with illness.

“We urge the public to be vigilant, but remain kind towards potentially sick individuals,” the hospital said.