KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 29 April) – The lone confirmed case of Monkeypox (Mpox) disease in South Cotabato province is now "under control," with no new infections reported, according to local officials.
South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. stated that the patient from Lake Sebu town is in isolation, and all close contacts have been traced. Authorities are still investigating how the patient contracted the virus, as there was no record of travel outside the province.
"The patient had limited interactions, making contact tracing easier. The situation is under control," Tamayo said during a briefing at the provincial capitol on Monday.
The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) confirmed the Mpox Clade II case on Sunday night through testing by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Soccsksargen. This was one of two suspected cases flagged earlier by IPHO in an April 23 advisory.
The second confirmed case was a Tulunan, Cotabato resident who tested positive for Mpox Clade II last Friday.
Tamayo urged residents to avoid close public interactions and maintain hygiene practices, emphasizing that Mpox spreads through skin-to-skin contact and droplets—unlike airborne COVID-19—making it easier to contain.
The IPHO remains on heightened alert, implementing public health measures to curb transmission. Residents are advised to practice hand hygiene, disinfect surfaces, avoid crowds, and report symptoms promptly. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)
