Iloilo City — The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) confirmed four laboratory-verified and two suspected cases of monkeypox (Mpox) as of June 2, 2025, marking a significant step in local health monitoring efforts amid growing concern over the virus’s spread.
“We have a total of six cases as of now, four of which are laboratory-confirmed,” said Dr. Mary Ann Diaz, City Health Officer, during a press conference on Monday.
She emphasized that all patients are isolated, receiving appropriate treatment, and currently in stable condition. One of the cases has a known travel history within the country, while the others appear to be unrelated.
Diaz clarified that, at present, the city has not officially confirmed community transmission.
“We are still investigating the proper definition of what qualifies as community transmission,” she said, responding to questions about whether the cases are connected or point to a wider outbreak.
In accordance with Department of Health (DOH) protocols, close contacts of the confirmed and suspected cases are not required to undergo isolation unless they exhibit symptoms.
Monkeypox typically presents with fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash. Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and children are considered particularly vulnerable.
Although all cases in Iloilo City so far involve adults, Dr. Diaz stressed that Mpox can affect anyone. She reiterated the importance of community vigilance and early reporting of symptoms.
To accelerate local response capabilities, the city is drafting a formal request to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to authorize the Uswag Molecular Laboratory in Molo District to perform confirmatory monkeypox testing.
This move is expected to cut down waiting times and improve case tracking.
The CHO is intensifying coordination with barangay officials, educational institutions, business sectors, and government agencies. A series of stakeholder meetings is set to roll out, beginning June 2 with City Hall department heads.
Subsequent meetings will include barangays, the transport sector, police, fire and port authorities, schools, universities, boarding houses, the religious sector, BPOs, social hygiene clinics, and members of the sex worker community.
Meanwhile, the city’s first confirmed Mpox case is reportedly recovering and may complete the mandatory 21-day isolation soon, unless symptoms persist, in which case the isolation period will be extended based on established protocols.
The CHO continues to urge Ilonggos to maintain proper hygiene, including regular handwashing and wearing face masks, avoid crowded areas, and wear protective clothing.
Diaz also encouraged residents to remain calm but proactive, seek medical consultation at the earliest sign of symptoms, and avoid withholding relevant health information.
“Public cooperation is essential,” she said. “Together, we can contain this virus and protect our community.”
