Bacolod City logs first mpox case
BACOLOD CITY—A resident of this city has been infected with the mpox virus, the first recorded case here.
In its June 14 advisory, the City Health Office (CHO) said the patient was in stable condition and currently receiving proper medical care and monitoring at a designated health facility.
City Health Officer Dr. Maria Carmela Gensol said they were withholding the name and gender of the patient for privacy purposes.
The CHO, in close coordination with the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, said it has activated its protocols to manage mpox cases 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,” it added.
While this is the first case in Bacolod, other Visayan areas have since recorded mpox incidents, including four confirmed cases in Iloilo, one confirmed patient in Talisay City, Cebu, and 10 suspected cases in Bohol as of last week.
Mayor’s assurance
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez assured everyone that the city government has been following the proper health protocols to prevent the spread of the disease.
He called on the public to follow hygiene and safety protocols such as frequent handwashing, and avoiding close contact with individuals who have flu-like symptoms or unexplained skin rashes.
The public, he said, should stay informed only through official sources like the Department of Health and the Bacolod City Public Information Office.
“Let us be guided by facts, not fear. We urge everyone to avoid spreading unverified information that may cause undue alarm,” Benitez said.
The CHO, in a statement, 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.
“At present, there is no specific antiviral treatment for mpox available locally,” the CHO said, adding 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.
Don’t discriminate
The city government also strongly discouraged any form of discrimination toward patients or their families.
“Public understanding, compassion, and support are vital in ensuring full recovery, both physically and emotionally,” it said in an advisory.
Mpox is a viral illness primarily spread through close physical contact, including sexual activity, with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and a distinctive rash.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to report symptoms, maintain physical distance, wear masks in crowded areas, and avoid high-risk contact.
