ON MAY 28, 2025, the City Health Office (CHO) confirmed Iloilo City’s first case of MPox (formerly known as Monkeypox), sounding the alarm on a disease many of us hoped we would never hear about again.
The patient, currently in stable condition and under isolation, has no recent travel history—a detail that is both curious and concerning. In addition, four other suspected cases are under close observation.
This confirmation should not be a source of panic—but it must be a prompt for awareness and swift action.
‘While Mpox is not as highly contagious as COVID-19, it remains a serious public health threat. It is transmitted primarily through prolonged close contact… ‘
HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS
While MPox is not as highly contagious as COVID-19, it remains a serious public health threat. It is transmitted primarily through prolonged close contact—especially skin-to-skin, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding. It can also be spread through intimate contact, including sexual activity.
Dr. Mary Ann Diaz and the CHO have acted quickly, initiating isolation protocols and contact tracing to limit the risk of further transmission. But the real test lies in how the public responds.
PREVENTABLE
We need to understand that Mpox is preventable if we take the right steps.
Practicing good hygiene—frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding contact with anyone showing unusual rashes or flu-like symptoms—is essential. It is also wise to avoid crowded areas for the time being, especially if you’re immunocompromised or working in high-contact settings like schools, hospitals, or public transportation.
Importantly, we must resist the urge to stigmatize or point fingers. The history of health crises tells us that fear and discrimination can spread faster than any virus. Let’s replace fear with facts.
CRITICAL DEFENSE
MPox is not exclusive to any gender, race, or group. Anyone can contract it—and anyone can help stop its spread.
The presence of a local case with no travel history raises a crucial point: the virus might already be circulating in the community undetected.
This means early medical consultation becomes a critical line of defense. If you or someone you know notices rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue—report it. Get checked. Don’t brush it off.
We’ve been through worse.
Iloilo City has faced health crises before and emerged stronger. What matters now is vigilance without hysteria, action without apathy, and compassion without judgment.
Let’s not wait for the numbers to climb before we take this seriously. The first confirmed case of Mpox in our city is not just a medical event—it’s a reminder that health is a shared responsibility.
Let’s stay informed. Let’s stay safe. And most importantly, let’s take care of each other.
Dr. Mary Ann Diaz and the CHO have acted quickly, initiating isolation protocols and contact tracing to limit the risk of further transmission. But the real test lies in how the public responds.
We need to understand that Mpox is preventable if we take the right steps. Practicing good hygiene—frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding contact with anyone showing unusual rashes or flu-like symptoms—is essential. It is also wise to avoid crowded areas for the time being, especially if you’re immunocompromised or working in high-contact settings like schools, hospitals, or public transportation.
Importantly, we must resist the urge to stigmatize or point fingers. The history of health crises tells us that fear and discrimination can spread faster than any virus. Let’s replace fear with facts. Mpox is not exclusive to any gender, race, or group. Anyone can contract it—and anyone can help stop its spread.
The presence of a local case with no travel history raises a crucial point: the virus might already be circulating in the community undetected. This means early medical consultation becomes a critical line of defense. If you or someone you know notices rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue—report it. Get checked. Don’t brush it off.
We’ve been through worse. Iloilo City has faced health crises before and emerged stronger. What matters now is vigilance without hysteria, action without apathy, and compassion without judgment.
Let’s not wait for the numbers to climb before we take this seriously. The first confirmed case of Mpox in our city is not just a medical event—it’s a reminder that health is a shared responsibility.
Let’s stay informed. Let’s stay safe. And most importantly, let’s take care of each other.
 confirmed Iloilo City’s first case of MPox (formerly known as Monkeypox), sounding the alarm on a disease many of us){kind=link}