Negros Occidental remains free from the contagious mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) after a suspected case tested negative in laboratory examinations.
Provincial Health Office (PHO) head Dr. Girlie Pinongan announced that the suspected mpox case in the province returned a negative result.
Local health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the health and safety of their residents.
Pinongan reminded the public that although mpox is contagious, it can be prevented through good hygiene practices such as regular handwashing and avoiding contact with individuals exhibiting skin rashes or flu-like symptoms.
She also urged residents experiencing symptoms associated with mpox to promptly consult a doctor to receive appropriate medical care and treatment.
Earlier this month, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized that he still sees no need to close the borders to contain the spread of mpox after cases were reported in neighboring Iloilo province.
However, Lacson appealed to the Negrenses to be vigilant of the emerging disease.
The PHO previously reported two suspected mpox cases in the province due to skin rashes.
This includes a one-year-old child from Pontevedra town who was taken to Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial District Hospital in La Carlota City after developing rashes on the neck.
The other is a bus driver who was brought to Tabugon Hospital in Kabankalan City for a skin condition he has reportedly been suffering from for over a month.
Pinongan said, based on initial assessments and images reviewed by hospital chiefs, the symptoms do not appear to match typical mpox presentations.
Local transmission
Health authorities in capital Bacolod City are considering the first confirmed mpox case in the city as a local transmission.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the City Health Office’s (CHO) Environment Sanitation Division, said they are closely coordinating with Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) to prepare for the various possible conditions brought by mpox and other infectious diseases.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the city government is conducting contact tracing to contain the spread of the disease.
“Mpox is a manageable disease, and with proper health protocols, we can prevent further spread,” he said in a statement, confirming the first mpox case in the city on Sunday, June 15.
“Let us be guided by facts, not fear. We urge everyone to avoid spreading unverified information that may cause undue alarm,” he added.
Meanwhile, the patient, currently receiving treatment at CLMMRH, was referred by the CHO last 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,” CLMMRH said in a statement.
“We are working closely with the local health system to provide the appropriate hospital response for people who may need tertiary care,” it added.
The regional hospital wants to reassure the patients, staff and visitors that the risk of mpox to the public remains low.
“It is not known to be transmitted via the airborne route — meaning across rooms and public spaces,” CLMMRH said.
“We encourage the community to remain calm and to stay informed through official health channels,” it added.
Sick individuals are advised to seek consultation early, especially if they have a rash, avoid close skin-to-skin contact and not share personal items, the hospital said.
CLMMRH said the public must observe good hygiene practices and wash hands frequently.
“Discrimination against any disease, including mpox, is not necessary. We urge the public to be vigilant but remain kind towards potentially sick individuals,” it added./ With reports from PNA / JB, WDJ