CEBU CITY – Six suspected cases of monkeypox are being monitored in Central Visayas.
The Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7) on Monday, June 2, said three cases are in Cebu City, one in Mandaue City, one in Talisay City, and one in Lapu-Lapu City.
DOH-7 Director Joshua Brillantes confirmed the passing of an monkeypox patient in Talisay but his death was due to other medical complications.
Brilliantes added that since 2024, at least 60 suspected cases affecting individuals aged 20 to 24 have been recorded.
In Cebu City, Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has formed a dedicated inter-agency task force to prevent a potential outbreak.
Garcia on Monday announced that he has signed an executive order establishing the Inter-Agency Task Force Against Mpox.
Garcia said the task force will spearhead the city’s efforts in surveillance, prevention, and response to the viral infection.
“The city government of Cebu acknowledges the recent confirmation of monkeypox cases within the Visayas region, including cases in Talisay City, Iloilo City, and Iloilo province, and a suspected case in Mandaue City, as reported by local health authorities,” Garcia said.
Garcia will serve as the chairman of the task force, with the City Health Department as vice chairperson and the Office of the City Administrator as co-vice chairperson.
Other members include the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Health, Hospital Services, and Sanitation; Business Permits and Licensing Office; Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office; Department of Social Welfare and Services; Cebu City Medical Center; Local School Board; Public Information Office; and the Barangay Affairs Office.