Health authorities stress prevention as LGUs detect Mpox
May 29, 2025
The detection of mpox cases in South Cotabato and Iloilo has triggered swift action by local governments in the Philippines, reflecting a commendable emphasis on prevention. From mandatory masking among health personnel in Polomolok and Cagayan de Oro to enhanced isolation protocols in Iloilo, LGUs are proactively reinforcing public health measures. With rising community cases and no history of travel among patients, vigilance must remain high. Public compliance—especially through masking, hand hygiene, and early symptom reporting—is crucial. As we learned from COVID-19, early intervention and widespread community engagement are key to curbing outbreaks before they escalate.
The recent detection of mpox cases in several Philippine provinces—including South Cotabato and Iloilo—underscores the ongoing vulnerability of communities to emerging infectious diseases. With 11 confirmed cases in South Cotabato and new infections in Iloilo City and Province, local government units (LGUs) are not waiting for further spread to act. Cagayan de Oro and Polomolok have swiftly implemented mandatory masking for health workers, while health offices across affected areas are tracing contacts and isolating patients. These are the right steps.
Mpox, a viral illness similar to smallpox but usually milder, transmits primarily through skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms—fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue—can be severe and stigmatizing. Unlike COVID-19, mpox spreads more slowly, but its psychological and economic impacts, especially in already strained local health systems, can be substantial.
This response also highlights a deeper cultural shift. Residents are embracing mask-wearing not as an inconvenience but as a communal responsibility. The mindset voiced by one resident—“Protecting myself is protecting my family”—exemplifies how public health succeeds when individual actions align with collective welfare.
Nevertheless, gaps remain. Awareness about mpox is still low in many regions, echoing early challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Health must prioritize public information campaigns, especially in rural and underserved communities. Simultaneously, health systems must prepare for rising cases with adequate testing, contact tracing, and, eventually, vaccination strategies.
With proactive LGUs and community cooperation, the Philippines has a window of opportunity to contain mpox before it escalates. The lesson is clear: the time to act is now—through prevention, education, and solidarity.