Bacolod City – Local health authorities have confirmed the first case of mpox (Monkeypox) in Bacolod City.
The patient is in stable condition and is currently receiving proper medical care and monitoring at a designated health facility, according to a statement by the Bacolod City Health Office recently.
The CHO, in close coordination with the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), said it has activated its protocols to manage the situation and ensure continued public safety.
In a statement, the Bacolod City government advised the public to stay calm, practice proper hygiene, observe health protocols, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
We have done contact tracing also to contain the spread of the said disease, according to Atty. Caesar Distrito, spokesman of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
I want to assure everyone that the city government has long prepared for situations like this. Mpox is a manageable disease, and with proper health protocols, we can prevent further spread, Distrito added.
Let us be guided by facts, not fear. We urge everyone to avoid spreading unverified information that may cause undue alarm, he further said.
At present, there is no specific antiviral treatment for mpox available locally. But supportive care and management of symptoms remain effective, the Bacolod City Health Office said.
According to the Department of Health, mpox is a viral disease causing fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes. The virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person’s or animal’s bodily fluids, wounds, and respiratory droplets.
In a statement, the Bacolod City government strongly discouraged any form of discrimination toward patients or their families, as it assures the public that all necessary measures are in place, and coordination with national health authorities is ongoing to manage the situation effectively.
Public understanding, compassion, and support are vital in ensuring full recovery, both physically and emotionally, it added. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)