TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The Department of Health has recorded the first confirmed mpox case in Region 2 or Cagayan Valley.
The DOH-Cagayan Valley-Center for Health Development is in close coordination with the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and actively conducting contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the patient.
The patient has been isolated and currently receiving the necessary medical care, the agency said. "All close contacts will be monitored for symptoms and provided with appropriate guidance."
Common symptoms of mpox are skin rash or mucosal lesions that can last two to four weeks and accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
DOH-Cagayan Valley chief Dr. Amelita Pangilinan urged the public to remain calm but vigilant.
She urged the people to adhere to standard health protocols – regular handwashing, wearing face masks in crowded areas, and seeking medical attention if symptoms of mpox develop.
"We are working closely with healthcare providers and local government units to contain the virus and protect the public's health," Pangilinan said.