Capiz Health Office Readies for Possible Mpox Cases

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The Capiz Provincial Health Office (PHO) has prepared its primary care centers and government hospitals in anticipation of possible monkeypox (Mpox) cases.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ramon Alex Nolasco said in a recent press conference that isolation rooms, testing kits, and specimen collection tools are already in place across municipal and provincial health offices tapped by the Department of Health.

Charmaine Quimpo, head of Infectious Disease and Environmental/Occupational Health, added that Tecovirimat medicines are on standby and ready for distribution once an Mpox case is confirmed.

According to PHO reports, seven suspected Mpox cases are currently under monitoring by health authorities.

“We don’t have to worry as these are only suspected cases and not yet confirmed,” Quimpo said.

Meanwhile, Capiz has recorded 40 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) so far in 2025.

Health program officer Carlo Paolo H. Bermejo said Roxas City has the highest number with 17 cases.

It is followed by Pontevedra with five; President Roxas with four; Jamindan and Cuartero with three each; Panay, Panitan, and Pilar with two each; and Mambusao and Ivisan with one each.