Iloilo’s First Mpox Case Declared Recovered

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office confirmed that the province’s first recorded Mpox (formerly monkeypox) case this year has officially recovered, based on a recent assessment by health authorities.

IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said the patient’s skin lesions had completely healed as of last week.

“The patient recovered on May 23—it was day 22 since the onset of lesions. After May 23, we began counting day one for the close contacts,” Quiñon said.

The individual, who had no travel history, was confirmed positive for Mpox on May 28 through laboratory testing by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

Three specimens were submitted, two of which tested negative.

Five of the nine identified close contacts remain under home quarantine and are nearing the end of the 21-day isolation period, which ends June 12.

There is no update as of writing on the four other close contacts.

“Our health workers continue to support the needs of the patient, their close contacts and their family,” Quiñon added.

The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, along with disease reporting units in every rural health unit and hospital, is maintaining active surveillance of notifiable diseases.

The IPHO is urging the public to follow basic health protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

These include practicing regular hand hygiene, observing respiratory etiquette, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding skin-to-skin contact with symptomatic individuals.

Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus and is clinically similar to smallpox, though generally less severe.

Symptoms include skin rashes or mucosal lesions lasting two to four weeks, fever, intense headaches, muscle and back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

There are two known clades of the virus: Clade I, which is linked to more severe illness and higher mortality, and Clade II, which typically causes milder symptoms.

Transmission occurs in two ways: direct contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, respiratory droplets or intimate contact; and indirect contact with contaminated materials such as bedding, towels or surfaces.

Quiñon also appealed for public understanding regarding the limited information released, citing the need to protect the privacy of the patient and their family.

The public is reminded to rely on official health sources for updates and avoid spreading misinformation, discrimination or stigma related to Mpox or other diseases.