First Mpox case detected in Zamboanga City

GMA Network

3 days ago

The City Government of Zamboanga has confirmed its first case of Mpox.
In an advisory, the city government and the City Health Office (CHO) said it was verified through laboratory tests conducted by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM).
The patient is currently recovering under home isolation after developing symptoms, including fever and rash, on July 6, 2025.
CHO personnel immediately investigated the case, collected specimen, and conducted contact tracing.
The city government said the patient has no travel history outside the city.
Four close contacts of the patient have been identified, all of whom are asymptomatic and are being monitored closely.
'Mpox is a viral disease primarily spread through close, direct contact with an infected person's skin lesions, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects. The risk to the general public remains low. Containment measures are in place and are being strictly implemented by local health authorities,' the advisory said.
Authorities urged the public to remain and calm but vigilant. Those who will experience symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, are also urged to seek medical consultation at the nearest health facility.
Mpox symptoms include fever, chills, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, extreme fatigue, headache, sore throat, anal pain, and painful urination. Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus and usually results in mild illness with rashes.
'The City Government and the City Health Office are fully committed to protecting public health. We will continue to provide timely updates as needed,' the advisory added.