CAUTION, NOT PANIC: Mpox Cases in Iloilo City Rise to 4

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The public is urged to observe minimum health protocols as confirmed mpox (monkeypox) cases in Iloilo City rose to four, with two more suspected cases under close monitoring.

City Health Office head Dr. Mary Ann Poli-Diaz said in a press conference that three additional confirmed cases, initially tagged as suspects, tested positive after laboratory confirmation from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

The city’s first mpox case was recorded on May 28.

The patient is nearing the end of the 21-day monitoring period but remains in isolation due to unhealed skin lesions.

“All patients are in stable condition, receiving medical treatment, and currently under isolation,” Poli-Diaz said, adding that some confirmed patients are adults with existing comorbidities.

She clarified that the new cases are not close contacts of the first patient.

None of the patients reported recent travel, although a companion of one case had travel history.

The CHO is still tracing the source of the infections.

Several close contacts within the community have been identified, but under Department of Health guidelines, asymptomatic individuals are not required to isolate.

DOH protocols require isolation for symptomatic or confirmed cases, while exposed but asymptomatic individuals are advised to self-monitor for 21 days, maintain hygiene, and avoid contact with vulnerable groups.

Poli-Diaz acknowledged the difficulty of contact tracing when asymptomatic individuals later test positive.

“We cannot isolate if there are no signs and symptoms,” she said.

“But if you have symptoms, we highly recommend isolating and seeking immediate medical consultation.”

She said there is no confirmation yet of an outbreak or community transmission, as DOH guidelines do not define criteria for such declarations.

Despite the rise in cases, Poli-Diaz emphasized that the situation is under control and not alarming.

“I would define it as alarming if we have a rapid increase in cases,” she said.

“We’re still waiting for additional reports from our Surveillance and Epidemiology team.”

She reassured the public that while mpox is contagious and viral, preventive measures can greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

Mpox primarily spreads through close or intimate contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

Respiratory droplets may pose a minor risk, but there is no current need to impose mandatory face mask use.

Poli-Diaz still encourages wearing masks, especially with the continued presence of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

The city government will seek permission from RITM to conduct local mpox testing at the Uswag Molecular Laboratory in Barangay San Pedro, Molo, to reduce result turnaround time.

Preparations are underway to identify a possible temporary isolation facility in case of a surge in cases.

Residents are urged to seek early consultation for symptoms like fever, rashes, or swollen lymph nodes, report cases honestly, and follow preventive habits such as handwashing, wearing long sleeves and masks, avoiding crowds, and exercising caution while traveling.