DIGOS City Mayor Josef Cagas has assured the public that there are no recorded cases of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the city, despite rising infections in nearby areas.
In a public advisory posted on his official social media page on May 26, 2025, the mayor explained that Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is characterized by symptoms such as skin lesions, rashes, blisters on the body and face, body pain, fever, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms, which are often mistaken for chickenpox.
However, he urged his constituents to remain vigilant by avoiding crowded places and monitoring for symptoms. He advised those who may feel unwell or exhibit signs of the disease to immediately seek medical attention and follow the guidance of health professionals to help prevent transmission.
The mayor’s announcement comes as South Cotabato province confirmed 10 Mpox cases as of May 22.
Dr. Conrado Braña, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said the confirmed infections were identified from 19 suspected cases reported by rural health units and hospitals in the province.
South Cotabato’s first confirmed case was recorded on April 27.
Health officials classified the infections as Mpox Clade II, a less severe but still transmissible variant of the virus.
In Davao City, the local government confirmed two Mpox cases earlier in April, based on data from the Department of Health–Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.
The Davao City Health Office reported that both patients were isolated at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. One of the patients, who was severely immunocompromised, later died due to complications unrelated to Mpox.
Mpox is a rare but potentially serious disease that spreads through close physical contact with an infected person, exposure to bodily fluids, or contact with contaminated objects. Although most cases resolve on their own within two to four weeks, individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for complications.
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially renamed the disease from monkeypox to Mpox to help reduce stigma.
Cagas reminded the public that although Digos City remains free of confirmed cases, residents must not become complacent.
He assured that the local government is in close coordination with health authorities to monitor the situation and implement necessary safety measures. DEF