Talisay City records first case of mpox

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BACOLOD CITY — Talisay City in Negros Occidental has recorded its first case of the monkeypox (mpox) disease, Mayor Neil Lizares confirmed on Monday.

Lizares, however, said that the female patient is already “in stable condition under close medical supervision, isolated and receiving proper treatment.”

He said the city government has already conducted contact tracing to determine if the patient has infected other people.

“Contact tracing and all necessary health protocols have already been carried out over the past few days since the receipt of the patient’s sample who was then suspected of having mpox, in order to prevent further transmission,” said Lizares, who urged residents to stay calm and be informed as authorities manage the situation and implement health protocols.

The mayor assured residents that “the city government is fully prepared to handle this situation.”

He said mpox is a manageable disease, and with strict adherence to proper health protocols, its spread can be prevented.

Mpox is a viral illness that spreads primarily through close and prolonged contact with an infected individual, Lizares said.

Transmission may occur through respiratory droplets, direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids, or through contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding, he added.

Dr. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer, on Tuesday said the 20-year-old female patient, who has a history of domestic travel, has already recovered.

“The patient, however, remains in isolation at home,” she said.

Pinongan added that in the second week of June, the patient felt unwell and immediately consulted the doctors who advised her to isolate herself.

Pinongan also said the patient was given treatment, and the test result came out over the weekend confirming the mpox.

She added that the patient may have visited an area with an mpox case where she may have been infected.

She was not confined in a hospital but isolated herself in a room at home.

Pinongan said the patient will still be isolated and under observation for 20 days.

Pinongan said the public continues to be advised to observe personal hygiene, especially handwashing.

“If you feel unwell and have a skin rash, it is best to consult a doctor immediately,” she said.

“We have not yet closed our borders as it is not an airborne disease and is transmitted through direct contact.”

On June 14, the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) confirmed its first case of mpox.

The CHO said the patient is in stable condition and is currently receiving proper medical care and monitoring at a designated health facility. It has also activated its protocols to manage the situation and ensure continued public safety.