Philippines: 1st mpox case reported in Mati City, Davao Oriental
Health officials in Mati City have confirmed the first case of mpox (monkeypox), prompting immediate containment measures and renewed calls for vigilance from the public.
In an official public health advisory issued by Dr. Ben Hur G. Catbagan Jr., City Health Officer, the patient was first evaluated via the City Health Office’s Telemedicine service and subsequently tested positive for mpox.
Specimen collection and confirmatory testing were facilitated by the City Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Response Unit (CESRU) and verified by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) through the Department of Health-Davao Center for Health Development (DOH-DCHD).
The patient, who exhibited mild symptoms and was clinically stable, underwent home isolation with strict monitoring. Contact tracing and close contact surveillance were conducted in accordance with national guidelines.
The patient completed isolation on June 20 and is now recovering well.
Dr. Catbagan assured the public that the City Health Office, together with barangay-based surveillance units, is implementing enhanced monitoring through the Incident Management System (IMS) aligned with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) protocols.
Mpox, caused by an orthopoxvirus, spreads primarily through close contact with individuals showing active lesions.
Symptoms include:
• Painful rash
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
Though usually self-limiting, severe cases can lead to complications and permanent scarring.
“As of today, there is no outbreak of Mpox in the city. We are closely monitoring the situation and urge the public to remain calm and cautious,” Dr. Catbagan said.
The public is advised to:
• Practice frequent hand hygiene
• Avoid close contact with people showing rashes or flu-like symptoms
• Seek immediate medical consultation if symptoms develop
