Iloilo logs first mpox case

ILOILO CITY, Philippines, May 29 ------ Health authorities in Iloilo have confirmed the first mpox case in the province, saying four more suspected infections are being monitored. The case was confirmed in separate press briefings by Mary Ann Diaz and Maria Colmenares-Quiñon, chiefs of the city and provincial health offices, respectively. “All identified cases have been placed in isolation and are receiving appropriate medical care,” Diaz said, adding the patients are in stable condition.

She said contact tracing is being undertaken to control the spread of the disease. Quiñon said three specimens taken from suspected cases were sent for laboratory analysis at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. Results of the RITM laboratory analysis showed that of the three specimens, one tested positive for mpox. Quiñon said the patient who tested positive has no travel history.

The public has been urged to observe proper hygiene and practice frequent handwashing with soap and water to avoid contracting mpox. Meanwhile, the city health office in Cagayan de Oro has ordered CHO employees to wear face masks as protection against mpox. The order was contained in a memorandum signed by city health officer Rachel Daba-Dilla. Aside from the workers, people entering the CHO were also required to wear face masks.

Source: philstar.com