THE City Health Office (CHO) reported that there are two confirmed cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) in Davao City.
CHO said they received information from the Department of Health-Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (DOH-Resu) on April 16, stating that there are two confirmed Mpox cases. One of the identified patients has died. Both patients were admitted to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
The office said that they are monitoring all identified contacts and have established response measures and protocols for Mpox.
“We urge the public to remain calm and avoid panic. We also remind everyone to consistently observe the following health protocols to help prevent Mpox infection,” the office said in their statement on April 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, DOH-Davao, in a statement released on the same day, said that the Mpox cases reported by CHO are of the Clade II variant of the MPX virus, and that the risk level remains the same as in previous months saying that “there is no increased danger.”
The regional office clarified that the patient who reportedly died did not pass away due to Mpox itself but because they were severely immunocompromised and succumbed to complications brought on by the infection.
“As mentioned by Davao CHO, established Mpox response measures are working. Surveillance systems detected the cases which led to their careful isolation from the public. All identified close contacts are being monitored,” DOH-Davao said.
CHO then advised the public to avoid close and intimate, skin-to-skin contact, such as sexual contact, kissing, hugging, and cuddling, with individuals who have a probable case of Mpox. If contact is unavoidable, such as for caregivers, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is necessary.
The office also urged the public to observe frequent and proper hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rub or by washing with soap and water when hands are contaminated. They added that surfaces or areas suspected to have been contaminated by the virus or an infected person should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
They encouraged the public to avoid contact with animals, specifically mammals, as these animals may carry the virus, especially those that are sick or found in areas with known Mpox cases. Some signs and symptoms of Mpox in animals, including pets, are rashes, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
DOH-Davao said that some of the common symptoms of Mpox in humans include skin rashes or mucosal lesions that may last up to four weeks. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
The department emphasized that anyone can contract Mpox, and it can be transmitted through close contact with an infectious person, or by using their clothing or utensils.
DOH-Davao said the virus can be eliminated using soap and water. Infected individuals may be treated through supportive care. Patients with no underlying conditions may stay at home after being tested, until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms, a process that takes about two to four weeks. RGP