First case of Mpox reported in Davao Oriental

DAVAO CITY, June 27 ------ Health officials in Mati City, Davao Oriental confirmed the first case of monkeypox (Mpox) in the province as they instituted immediate containment measures and renewed calls for public vigilance.

Dr. Ben Hur G. Catbagan Jr., Mati City health officer, said the patient was first evaluated early this month through the city’s telemedicine service and was found positive of Mpox after subsequent tests by the City Epidemiology, Surveillance and Response Unit (Cesru) and verified by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Catbagan said the patient showed only mild symptoms, was clinically stable and was required to undergo home isolation. Health authorities also conducted contact tracing and close contact surveillance in accordance with national guidelines. Catbagan, who issued the report on Monday said the patient was already recovering well.

He assured the public that the City Health Office, together with barangay-based surveillance units, is implementing enhanced monitoring through the Incident Management System (IMS) aligned with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) protocols. Mpox, caused by an orthopoxvirus, spreads primarily through close contact with individuals showing active lesions. Its symptoms include painful rash, swollen lymph nodes and fever.

Although usually self-limiting, severe cases can lead to complications and permanent scarring, Catbagan said. “As of today, there is no outbreak of Mpox in the city. We are closely monitoring the situation and urge the public to remain calm and cautious,” he added even as he advised the public to practice frequent hand hygiene, avoid close contact with people showing rashes or flu-like symptoms and seek immediate medical consultation if symptoms develop.

The Mati case brings up to 22 the total number of reported Mpox cases in Mindanao, which according to the Mpox Alert of Diwa Center at UP-Mindanao, included 10 cases in South Cotabato in Soccsksargen region; six cases in Davao City, three cases in Sarangani and two cases in Davao de Oro.

Source: inquirer.net