CEBU CITY – The first case of monkeypox in Cebu province has been confirmed.
The patient was from Talisay City who already died but not due to monkeypox but because of other health complications.
Talisay Mayor Samsam Gullas made the confirmation to allay public fear.
“I’ve received reports circulating about a supposed Mpox-related death in our city. I would like to clarify that while the patient did test positive for Mpox, the cause of death was not Mpox,” he said in a social media post.
“The patient had another medical condition which was the actual cause of death. It means that the cause of death was his lingering illness and not Mpox,” Gullas said in Cebuano.
Gullas said he had to wait for approval from the Department of Health (DOH) to make the case public.
Gullas said the patient was quarantined following DOH-Central Visayas (DOH-7) protocols.
“Somewhat similar to chickenpox. A quarantine is needed. There is no need to panic, we have just to be informed and follow the reminders of DOH,” Gullas said.
In Mandaue City, health officials are monitoring a suspected case involving a 39-year-old man, who is suffering from a persistent skin lesion.
Dr. Debra Catulong, head of the Mandaue City Health Office, said the patient went to the outpatient department on Thursday morning, May 29, and had a specimen taken for testing with assistance from DOH.
Catulong advised the public to isolate immediately if they notice suspicious skin lesions.
Frequent hand washing, wearing face masks, and avoiding crowded areas were also advised.
Monkeypox symptoms include rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or body aches.
Health authorities advised the public to immediately seek medical help when these symptoms appear.