Bacolod logs first mpox case

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City on Sunday recorded its first confirmed case of mpox, a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through close contact with infected animals or humans.

The confirmation was announced by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez through his official Facebook account.

"The patient is stable, properly monitored, and currently in isolation and receiving appropriate medical care. We have made contact tracing also to contain the spread of the disease," he said on social media.

The mayor said the City Health Office (CHO) is closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH), Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) and all concerned agencies to ensure swift and effective response measures.

"I want to assure everyone that the city government has long prepared for situations like this. Mpox is a manageable disease, and with proper health protocols, we can prevent further spread," he added.

Benitez, meanwhile, called on the public to follow hygiene and safety protocols such as frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with individuals who have flu-like symptoms or skin rashes.

The public should stay informed only through official sources like the DOH and the Bacolod City Public Information Office, he said.

"Let us be guided by facts, not fear. We urge everyone to avoid spreading unverified information that may cause undue alarm," Benitez said.

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

Benitez also called for stricter border control at entry points, including the installation of temperature scanners or thermal cameras at the Bredco Seaport here and the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Mpox cases were also reported in nearby Iloilo City.

Incoming Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya also assured the public that the CHO is on top of the situation and that all necessary assistance will be provided to deal with the situation.

He also urged the public to follow health advisories to ensure their safety and avoid the spread of the virus.

The City Health Office is withholding the name and gender of the patient to protect privacy.

The CLMMRH, in a separate statement, said it is "currently caring for the first confirmed case of mpox (monkeypox) that was referred from the Bacolod City Health Office on June 13."

"The patient is stable and is receiving appropriate care in isolation, and all necessary infection control measures have been implemented in accordance with public health guidelines," the CLMMRH statement said.

The hospital assured patients, staff, and visitors that the risk to the general public remains low as mpox is not known to be transmitted via the airborne route.

"We encourage the community to remain calm and to stay informed through official health channels," it said.

Discrimination against any disease, including mpox is not necessary as the Level 3 hospital stressed and urged the public to "be vigilant but remain kind towards potentially sick individuals."

It also called on sick individuals to seek consultation early, especially if they have a rash, to avoid close skin to skin contact, and to not share personal items.

"We encourage the general public to continue practicing good hygiene and do handwashing frequently," it added.

Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, said Negros Occidental has not recorded an mpox case based on the monitoring of the Provincial Health Office and Department of Health Office.

A CHO heath advisory said that it is in "close coordination with the CLMMRH, it has activated its protocols to manage the situation and ensure continued public safety."

"Mpox transmission has now been identified locally, and the CHO continues to closely monitor developments to help limit further spread," the advisory said.

The CHO said persons who are immunocompromised, including pregnant women, persons with diabetes, senior citizens, children, malnourished individuals, patients undergoing chemotherapy and those with chronic illnesses, may have a higher vulnerability to infections in general, including mpox, the advisory said.

It said pregnant women who may contract mpox are advised to consult health care professionals to ensure appropriate monitoring for both mother and child. Delivery in hospital settings remains the safest option.

"At present, there is no specific antiviral treatment for mpox available locally," the CHO said.

It added that "supportive care and management of symptoms remain effective."

"Once fully recovered — when all lesions have healed and scabs have cleared — patients may safely return to work, school, or their usual activities," the advisory said.

Those who have questions or concerns may contact the Bacolod City Health Office at 0992-480-8591, the advisory said.