Iloilo City logs 1 case of Monkeypox
The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) confirmed of a case of Monkeypox (Mpox) in the city.
In a press conference on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Dr. Mary Ann Poli-Diaz, CHO head, said that the patient is under isolation while undergoing medication.
She said that the patient is in stable condition.
She emphasized that the patient has no travel history.
However, Diaz has not disclosed any information on the gender, address, age, and occupation of the confirmed patient.
Investigation is on to determine other four suspected cases in Iloilo City.
Diaz said, as of posting time, she cannot tell conclusively whether there was local transmission of Mpox.
Earlier, 15 cases of Mpox have been recorded in three provinces in Mindanao, according to a GMA News Online report.
Based on a report in '24 Oras' on May 23, 2025, South Cotabato confirmed 10 cases, Sultan Kudarat had three patients, and Maguindanao del Norte detected two cases.
The Mpox virus can be transmitted through intimate, skin-to-skin contact. One can also be infected through contact with contaminated objects.
Health experts highly advise proper hygiene, which includes hand washing with soap and water, to avoid infection.
Among the symptoms to watch out for include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks, the report added.
The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
(via Sevein Hope Gegantoca/dySI Super Radyo Iloilo and GMA Integrated News)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
Cebu City logs 101 new HIV cases in First Quarter of 2025
Cebu City has logged a total of 101 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the First Quarter of 2025. According to Dr. Kimberly Sanchez, social hygiene physician at the Cebu City Health Department, the new cases are almost half of the total number of HIV cases in Central Visayas at 255. Sanchez said that 27 percent of the new cases in Cebu City involved persons ages 15 years old to 24 years old. Most of these persons living with HIV are males who have had sexual contact with fellow males, and those who shared needles while indulged in illegal drugs use. However, Sanchez said that living with HIV should not be perceived as a 'death sentence,' as persons can still live as normally as possible once intake of medicines is observed properly to strengthen the immune system. The medicines are available at health centers, free of charge, she said. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the real challenge is the continued spread of HIV, not Monkeypox (Mpox). 'Ang malaking problema po natin, hindi Monkeypox kundi ang paglaganap ng HIV; 500-percent increase po tayo sa HIV cases sa mga edad 15 hanggang 25. In fact, ang pinakabatang na-diagnose natin ay batang 12-anyos sa Probinsya ng Palawan,' Herbosa pointed out. The DOH official added that based on data, the Philippines has the most number of new HIV cases in the Western Pacific Region. Should prevention measures fail, DOH underscored it is possible that an estimated 400,000 individuals in the Philippines may contract HIV. 'Maganda magkaroon tayo ng public health emergency for HIV dahil magtutulong-tulong ang buong lipunan. The whole of government can help us in this campaign na mapababa ang new cases of HIV,' Herbosa added. Based on DOH data, the Philippines has a total of 148,831 HIV cases, as of this writing. In the first three months of 2025, confirmed cases have reached a total of 5,101 which is higher compared to the 3,409 cases in the same period in 2024. The DOH once again called on the public to observe preventive measures such as undergoing HIV test that is free and confidential and to always practice safer, protected sex.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
DOH 7 heightens alert for Mpox
The Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH Central Visayas CHD), in an official statement, has emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and strict adherence to health protocols to prevent the spread of Mpox (known formerly as Monkeypox), in light of cases reported recently. DOH Central Visayas CHD said that Mpox is a contagious disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, primarily transmitted through close, intimate contact with an infectious person. This includes talking, breathing in close proximity, kissing, touching, hugging, or engaging in sexual activity. It may also spread via contact with contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing, or linens. Common symptoms of Mpox include skin rash or mucosal lesions that typically last between two (2) to four (4) weeks, often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. "To help prevent infection, the public is advised to practice frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, observe proper respiratory etiquette by covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ensure good airflow in indoor spaces, and avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of Mpox," DOH Central Visayas CHD said. In response to the current situation, the DOH Central Visayas CHD has "heightened its surveillance efforts and urges the public to remain proactive in observing recommended health measures." "We emphasize that only accurate and verified health information should be followed, as misinformation can undermine public safety. The consistent implementation of proper hygiene practices, especially in public spaces, remains essential. We reassure the community that we are committed to safeguarding public health and are closely monitoring for any potential developments," the statement added. 'We want to reassure the people of Central Visayas that the health system is on alert and prepared to respond. Our priority is early detection, clear communication, and protection of every individual, especially those who may be more vulnerable. We ask everyone to be kind and understanding. Let us avoid fear and discrimination, as Mpox can affect anyone, and what we need most right now is compassion, accurate information, and community cooperation,' said Regional Director Joshua Brillantes. In addition, DOH Central Visayas CHD has urged individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of Mpox to seek medical consultation at the nearest health center or contact the DOH Central Visayas CHD Regional Emergency Operations Center through the following numbers: #0711, 0945-157-6004, and 0943-568-3298.
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
Card claiming Luzon lockdown over Mpox fake, says GMA
GMA Integrated News has labeled as fake an art card that has circulated online that has mimicked its branding. The card claimed that Luzon may be placed under 'total lockdown' because of Mpox. The fabricated image also attributed the claim falsely to the Department of Health (DOH). GMA said it did not produce nor publish such a report and warned the public against sharing unverified content online. DOH: Mpox CASES WENT DOWN IN MAY DOH said the Mpox situation in the country is not alarming and does not warrant lockdowns. In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said there were less than 50 Mpox cases recorded in May. This is lower than the over 50 cases logged in April. 'Kapag tumingin kasi sa total, ang impression parang dami-dami nang kaso,' Domingo said. He added that the agency is focusing on month-to-month monitoring rather than cumulative totals, which can create a misleading impression. ONLY MILD Mpox VARIANT IN PH Domingo also clarified that the Mpox cases in the Philippines involve only the Clade II variant, which is known to be milder and less transmissible than Clade 1b — a variant that has not been detected in the country. 'Hindi natin kailangang mabahala dahil ang variant [ng Mpox] dito sa Pilipinas ay Clade II,' Domingo said. DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa likewise assured the public that most patients recover within 2 to 3 weeks, and that deaths linked to Mpox in the Philippines were primarily due to underlying complications from advanced HIV, not the virus itself. NOT AIRBORNE Domingo further explained that Mpox is spread through close, skin-to-skin contact, not through the air. While some local government units have imposed face mask requirements, he said such measures may not directly prevent Mpox transmission. 'Ang Mpox ay hindi airborne... Depende sa mode of transmission ang dapat na ginagawa na precaution,' he said. He urged LGUs to coordinate with the DOH for science-based response measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes Mpox as a viral disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, with most cases being mild and self-resolving. The global health body continues to monitor Mpox cases worldwide but maintains that proper hygiene, awareness, and early reporting are key to managing outbreaks. PANATA KONTRA FAKE NEWS The incident is the latest in a string of online disinformation attempts using the GMA Integrated News brand falsely. The organization continues to monitor, report, and request the takedown of fake content that misleads the public. GMA Integrated News reminds the public to verify the source of information before sharing, and to trust only official channels for news updates.
