BACOLOD City – The City Health Office (CHO) is currently investigating two suspected cases of mpox (monkeypox). This follows a previous report that four samples from male patients, which were sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), tested negative for the virus.
According to Grace Tan, chief of the CHO’s Environment Sanitation Division, the office is examining two more patients — one a resident of Bacolod and the other from outside the city — to determine if their cases meet the criteria for mpox.
The CHO plans to send specimens for testing soon.
Tan urged individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever and skin rashes to seek immediate medical consultation and undergo free specimen collection for testing.
She emphasized the importance of isolation until symptoms subside to prevent further transmission.
“Isolation at home or in a comfortable space is necessary to avoid infecting others,” Tan said.
Common symptoms of mpox include skin lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, sore throat, headaches, and fatigue.
Tan reassured the public not to panic, stressing that with cooperation and vigilance, widespread transmission of the virus can be avoided — unlike the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CHO also advised the public to observe proper respiratory hygiene, maintain good ventilation, wash hands frequently, and avoid close contact with individuals showing mpox symptoms.
Mpox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus./PN
