By CESAR JOLITO III and MAE SINGUAY
The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) assures the Negrenses that there is no cause for alarm following the confirmation of an mpox (formerly monkeypox) case in Talisay City, the first in the province.
PHO head Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan said a 20-year-old female resident of Talisay had tested positive for mpox, as confirmed by the Talisay City Health Office on Monday night, June 23.
“She is now fully recovered but is still completing the mandatory 21-day isolation period at home,” Pinongan said.
According to the PHO, the patient began experiencing mpox symptoms in the second week of June.
“She reported fever, rashes and swollen lymph nodes, which are symptoms of mpox. She immediately isolated herself and underwent testing, which confirmed the infection over the weekend,” Pinongan stated.
The PHO said the patient traveled within the Philippines recently and may have contracted mpox from the undisclosed province she visited.
It was confirmed that the patient’s family members were not tested, as they showed no symptoms.
However, the Talisay City Health Office promptly conducted contact tracing and is monitoring those who may have been exposed.
The patient and her close contacts are being closely monitored and treated accordingly.
Meanwhile, Pinongan assured residents that the case is isolated and under control.
The PHO continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and practice preventive measures.
“It’s important for everyone to maintain proper hygiene, particularly handwashing, as mpox is spread through close contact, such as skin-to-skin contact, and not through airborne transmission,” Pinongan said.
Additionally, three individuals showing symptoms consistent with mpox are currently being observed, with test results pending.
Stay calm
Talisay Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Neil Lizares III assured residents that the city government has reiterated its readiness to respond to the situation.
“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,” Lizares said in a statement on Monday.
The mayor encouraged the public to remain calm and strictly adhere to health protocols to effectively minimize the risk of further mpox spread.
Lizares also called on the public to rely only on verified information from official health bulletins and avoid sharing unverified news.
“Let us work together to protect the health and safety of our community,” he said.
Mpox, a viral illness, primarily spreads through close and prolonged contact with infected individuals, especially via respiratory droplets, contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids, and contaminated materials like clothing or bedding.
Transmission may occur through respiratory droplets, direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids, or through contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding.
Common symptoms of mpox include fever and chills; swollen lymph nodes; headache and muscle aches; fatigue; and skin rashes or lesions, which may appear on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
Symptoms typically appear within five to 21 days after exposure and usually resolve within two to four weeks.
Most cases are mild and self-limiting, though severe cases can occur, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems./CJ, MS, WDJ