The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of South Cotabato recorded 10 cases of mpox as of May 22. These cases are from Tboli (4), Surallah (2), Banga (1), Tantangan (1), Lake Sebu (1), and Koronadal City (1).
According to Eldon Hans Serame, health education officer of IPHO, the increase in cases is due to the province's active surveillance and contact tracing. He also said that those with symptoms are being immediately isolated even without confirmation, so that they can be tested immediately and contact tracing can begin.
Mpox is a viral disease that causes fever, headache, rashes, swollen glands, and muscle aches. It is transmitted through close contact, such as skin-to-skin, body fluids, or respiratory droplets.
IPHO's Dr. Conrado Braña said that some cases have no travel history so investigations are ongoing into how it is transmitted. He also clarified that it is not the same as COVID-19 and mpox is more manageable.
Due to early information dissemination, the public has become more vigilant. So when they notice any symptoms, they immediately consult a doctor to prevent the spread of the virus.
