AMID growing concerns over the regional spread of Mpox (monkeypox), Digos City Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas issued Executive Order No. 10, s. 2025, on May 30, outlining stringent preventive and containment measures to safeguard the local population, even as the city remains free of the disease.
The mayor convened top city officials earlier this week to discuss mpox preparedness, following the confirmation of a single case in the nearby town of Magsaysay, just 25 kilometers away.
"As of today, there are no recorded cases of Mpox in Digos," Mayor Cagas emphasized, underscoring the city’s proactive stance to prevent the virus from reaching the community.
Mpox can cause high fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle pain, and in some cases, severe anal pain and painful urination.
Transmission can occur through close physical contact and contaminated surfaces.
In anticipation of possible cases, the city has designated a quarantine and isolation facility in Barangay Igpit. The City Health Office and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) have already conducted inspection and cleaning operations at the site to ensure readiness.
The order mandates that residents avoid close contact with individuals suspected of infection, maintain proper hand hygiene, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Confirmed and suspected cases are required to undergo isolation either at home or in official facilities.
The directive also mandates all healthcare providers to report Mpox cases to the city health authorities. Non-compliance with the guidelines may result in penalties under existing public health laws.
The order takes effect immediately. DEF