Eastern Visayas logs 2nd mpox case
TACLOBAN CITY – Health authorities in Eastern Visayas have confirmed another case of mpox (monkeypox) in the region, prompting renewed calls for public vigilance and strict compliance with health protocols laid out by local governments.
In an advisory posted on June 19 on the official media page of the city government of Ormoc, it confirmed that one patient from the city tested positive for mpox after laboratory confirmation by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City.
This was the second confirmed case in the region after first case reported in the town of Sogod in Southern Leyte.
According to Ormoc City’s advisory, all identified close contacts of the confirmed case remain asymptomatic and are currently under daily monitoring by health authorities.
Three probable cases linked to the patient were also under observation, the city government said.
The advisory did not provide further details about the patient’s identity or condition.
In a statement, the Department of Health in Eastern Visayas (DOH-8) confirmed the case but clarified that the responsibility to release specific information lies with with the officials of Ormoc, a component city of Leyte province.
DOH-8 further emphasized that under Republic Act 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases), local government units are tasked with providing official updates on public health matters in their jurisdictions.
As of June 20, there are at least 10 mpox cases in the Visayas: six in Iloilo City; one each in the cities of Bacolod and Talisay, Cebu; and Sogod town, Southern Leyte; and Ormoc City.
Health precautions
To curb the risk of local transmission, the Ormoc City government ordered the following minimum health precautions: frequent handwashing, disinfection of commonly touched surfaces, avoidance of skin-to-skin contact, and wearing of face masks in crowded places and public transport.
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infectious rashes, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces.
Common symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue.
The World Health Organization previously declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern in 2022 following outbreaks in several non-endemic countries.
Local health authorities are continuing to trace close contacts of the patient and have reminded the public to practice proper hygiene, avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms, and seek immediate medical consultation if mpox is suspected.
