South Cotabato, Philippines — Following a recent advisory on two suspected monkeypox (mpox) cases in South Cotabato, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) confirmed one positive case in the province.
Hans Eldon Serame, Health Education and Promotions Officer II, announced that the confirmed positive patient is a resident of Cotabato Province, who has already been discharged and is continuing isolation treatment in his home province.
The other patient is a resident of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, who is already stable and recovering in isolation in the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH).
“We urge the public to stay calm but vigilant,” Serame emphasized.
Serame urged South Cotabateños to practice basic health protocols such as regular handwashing, sanitizing and disinfecting potentially contaminated areas, avoiding crowded spaces, and promptly reporting any symptom to the nearest health center.
He also warned the public against circulating fake news, saying, “This is a very important reminder to all: Mag-share lamang ng verified o tamang impormasyon mula sa trusted sources.”
Serame further assured the public that local health units are on heightened alert and are actively monitoring close contacts, while also strengthening the province’s health system capacity to manage the situation.
Meanwhile, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. assured the residents that the provincial government is in full control of the situation and reiterated that there is no reason for panic.
“So far, we are in control of the situation kaya’t walang dapat ikabahala,” Governor Tamayo said. “Gayunpaman, sanayin nating mag sanitize after ma-exposed sa maraming tao.”
Governor Tamayo also clarified that the idea of implementing a lockdown is not currently being considered because, unlike COVID-19, mpox is not airborne and does not necessitate mass isolation measures.
Health authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and are encouraging the public to cooperate by following health protocols and relying only on verified sources for updates.
