21-06-2025
Capiz confirms it has recorded first case of mpox
The province of Capiz said it has recorded its first case of monkeypox (mpox).
This was announced by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), according to a report by Arlyn Joy Mendoza of Super Radyo Kalibo on Dobol B TV on Saturday.
Of the seven suspected cases of mpox in Capiz subjected to further testing by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), one tested positive, and another one tested negative, the PHO said.
The confirmed mpox case is now in home isolation and recovering.
Meanwhile, the patient's close contacts are being monitored.
The PHO is coordinating with the 17 local health offices, five government hospitals, and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTS) in the province for close monitoring and immediate response regarding suspected mpox cases.
The Capiz Provincial Government meanwhile advised the public to stay calm and follow health protocols especially those pertaining to proper hygiene to prevent contracting mpox.
The province of Aklan on the other hand is still mpox-free as of posting time.
Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. A zoonotic disease, mpox is transmitted to humans from animals.
This disease can be acquired through direct contact with body fluids or skin-to-skin contact, including touching the rash or hives of a person who has it.
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
As of today, there is no treatment for mpox, but there are vaccines to protect one against the virus. Unfortunately, these vaccines are not yet available in the Philippines.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa earlier said that patients with mpox will be given supportive care where their symptoms will be treated.
"Kapag nilalagnat sila, bibigyan sila ng paracetamol. Kung may makati sa kanila, anti-kati at aalagan 'yung mga lesions nila," Herbosa said.
("When cases have a fever, they will be given paracetamol. If they itch, they will be given anti-itch ointment, and doctors will treat their lesions.")
Doctors can also prescribe antiviral medications, especially in cases with comorbid conditions. —KG, GMA Integrated News
