Bohol on alert as Mpox cases rise nationwide 

Health authorities in Bohol province have issued a public advisory urging vigilance against mpox, a viral disease that has seen a rise in cases across several provinces in the Philippines, despite no infections currently reported in Bohol.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO), through its Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (PESU), released the advisory, warning of the potential spread of mpox and calling on the public to observe health protocols.

The advisory stresses the importance of early detection, reporting, and isolation of suspected cases.

While Bohol remains mpox-free, cases have emerged in neighboring regions, including Iloilo in the Visayas and several areas in Mindanao, prompting local governments to raise alert levels.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap placed the capital under heightened health alert, activating all city and barangay health units, clinics, and hospitals.

A technical working group has been formed to coordinate prevention and education efforts.

Residents are urged to follow health guidelines and wear face masks in crowded areas.

“Public cooperation is key,” Yap said. “We urge everyone to stay cautious and follow the health advisories from both the City and Provincial Health Offices.”

Dr. Anthony Damalerio, Bohol’s provincial health officer, said the local government is considering forming an anti-mpox task force to bolster preventive efforts. He noted that while there are no confirmed cases in Bohol, measures are being taken to prevent the virus from entering the province.

Meanwhile,.Incoming Loon Mayor Cezar Tomas “Yul” Lopez, a physician and former provincial health officer, cited the ongoing threat posed by communicable diseases.

In a radio interview over DYTR by broadcast journalist ArdyAraneta-Batoy, Lopez said, “Battling infectious diseases is a continuous process. Pathogens mutate, and we must stay vigilant.”

Lopez said health will be his administration’s top priority, adding that his background as a doctor will guide efforts to strengthen preventive medicine across all 67 barangays in Loon.

The PHO is ramping up education and information campaigns across rural health units and hospitals, urging immediate reporting of suspected cases. “Surveillance is critical,” Lopez said. “Early isolation and public awareness can prevent outbreaks.”

As of May 31, 2025, the Philippines has reported 52 confirmed mpox cases since July 2022, all of which are the milder Clade II variant. No fatalities have been recorded, and no Clade I or Clade Ib strains have been detected.

Mpox spreads primarily through close, intimate, or skin-to-skin contact, not through the air.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded recent surges, particularly in Mindanao, where South Cotabato, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region have logged new cases in May 2025.

In the Visayas, cases have been reported in Iloilo and Cebu, while Baguio City in Luzon confirmed its first case earlier this month.

In Iloilo City, authorities confirmed two mpox cases on May 28—one in the city and one in Iloilo Province.

Several close contacts have been placed in home isolation. Neither patient had a recent travel history, suggesting possible local transmission.

Health experts say the recent increase in cases may be linked to crowding during the May 2025 elections. Officials are stressing the importance of public education to reduce stigma, encourage reporting, and support early intervention.

Mpox symptoms include fever, rash (which progresses from red spots to blisters and scabs), swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected rashes, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials. Individuals with multiple sexual partners, children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons face higher risks.

In response, Philippine authorities have ramped up surveillance and testing efforts, with diagnostic services provided by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and the Philippine Genome Center.

Confirmed cases are being isolated in hospitals, homes, or designated facilities, while close contacts are advised to self-monitor. Some local governments have encouraged the use of face masks in healthcare settings and public areas.

Public education campaigns continue to stress hygiene practices, the importance of early symptom reporting, and the avoidance of stigma.

While there are no approved vaccines specifically for mpox, health officials are considering the use of smallpox vaccines for high-risk populations.

The DOH is currently negotiating with the United States for potential access.

With no cases yet reported in Bohol, local health officials stress that preparedness, awareness, and community cooperation are vital in preventing the entry and spread of the virus in the province.