6 mpox cases reported in Davao City

MANILA, Philippines — Health officials in Davao City have reported six confirmed mpox cases since last month.

Sofia Corazon Zafra, medical coordinator at the city health office’s emerging and re-emerging infectious disease department, said that as of Friday, four more cases have been added to the list of people who tested positive for mpox.

The new cases were stable and asymptomatic, Zafra said, adding that the city is closely monitoring the patients and contact tracing has been undertaken to identify suspected cases.

“The epidemiology department continues daily monitoring of patients and their close contacts. The close contacts are only being monitored and not isolated,” Zafra said.

She said the mpox strain in the city was classified as Clad 2 or nonfatal.

Reports of new mpox cases prompted residents to procure face masks to prevent themselves from contracting the disease.

The city health office clarified that wearing of face masks is not mandatory.

Residents have been advised to avoid going to public places and to practice frequent handwashing.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, body pains and rashes.

In Bohol, Gov. Aris Aumentado created the Bohol Mpox Task Force to prevent the spread of the disease.

This developed after a case was reported in the province of Cebu.