Philippines: Mpox cases in BARMM rise to 8 confirmed

Officials with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Health reported three addition confirmed mpox cases in Cotabato City.

A Mpox advisory was issued yesterday by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Ministry of Health – BARMM which now reports 23 suspected, eight confirmed and eight probable cases.

The city health officer said the three new patients, include a 28-year-old woman currently receiving medication, a 72-year-old man, and a 4-year-old boy, are all under home isolation. In addition, 14 new suspected cases.

Symptoms of mpox may include a skin rash, fever, cough, body aches, headache, and others;

Health authorities encourage the public to follow these preventive measures:

1. Avoid intimate contact to persons with flu like symptoms

2. Regular hand washing and maintain personal hygiene

3. Avoid sharing personal belongings like clothes and towels

4. Seek early consultation when experiencing the above symptoms, and

5. Voluntary isolation with immediate notification of your local health authorities in manifesting mpox signs and symptoms.