Mindanao faces mpox spike as cases hit more than a dozen in 3 provinces

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Health officials in affected areas ramp up information campaigns, isolation protocols, and contact tracing as more suspected infections emerge and communities call for stronger preventive measures

MANILA, Philippines – Mindanao is confronting a rising tide of Mpox (monkeypox) infections, with at least three regions reporting more than a dozen confirmed cases this month, which spotlighted the mounting challenge for health officials working to contain the virus.

In the Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro, and Zamboanga Peninsula regions, provinces like South Cotabato, Maguindanao del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay have become hotspots, with patients ranging from toddlers to adults, including a three-year-old girl.

Health officials in affected areas have ramped up information campaigns, isolation protocols, and contact tracing as more suspected infections emerge and communities call for stronger preventive measures.

South Cotabato in the Soccsksargen region has logged the most cases so far, with 10 confirmed infections as of May 22, reported the state-owned Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Three suspected cases are awaiting confirmatory test results, according to the report.

The South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) began rolling out public education efforts and trainings even before the first local cases were confirmed.

All patients are in stable condition and are isolating at home. Their close contacts have been placed under self-isolation and observation.

In the Zamboanga Peninsula region, officials began monitoring a second patient likely infected in Zamboanga Sibugay after they confirmed the province’s first case involving a three-year-old child from Tungawan town.

The toddler exhibited symptoms on May 5 and is currently recovering at the Dr. George T. Hofer Medical Center in Ipil town. Her family is under home quarantine, with contact tracing efforts underway.

Officials said the second patient is an adult who arrived in Tungawan from Manila on May 11 to vote.

Ipil municipal health officer Dr. Adnirle Verzon urged the public to quickly report any suspected Mpox cases in their communities. In Kabasalan, municipal health officer Dr. Eric Cabayacruz said those with symptoms should be encouraged to seek help from health authorities without fear of blame or backlash.

Cabayacruz noted that fear of consequences often causes hesitation, but controlling the spread requires local governments to actively monitor and report every case openly. He warned against stigmatizing patients or blaming local governments where cases occur.

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), two confirmed cases have been reported in the towns of Sultan Kudarat and Datu Odin Sinsuat, both in Maguindanao del Norte.

Six more individuals showing symptoms are under close medical observation in isolation facilities in the predominantly Muslim region.

BARMM Health Minister Kadil Monera Sinolinding Jr. said they have intensified an information campaign to curb further transmission.

Health officials in the three Mindanao regions have called on the public to remain vigilant, isolate immediately if symptoms appear, and observe standard preventive measures such as regular handwashing, wearing masks, and ensuring good ventilation.

The viral disease spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that progresses through several stages. 

Mpox can cause serious complications in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, and its contagious nature makes early detection and isolation vital to preventing outbreaks.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration have yet to approve any Mpox vaccines for public use in the country. – with reports from Herbie Gomez/Rappler.com