BACOLOD CITY - The City Health Office (CHO) confirmed the first case of monkeypox in this highly-urbanized city on June 15.
Mayor Albee Benitez, in a statement, said the patient is stable, properly monitored, and currently in isolation and receiving appropriate medical care.
He added that the city has conducted contact tracing to contain the spread of the disease.
Benitez said the CHO is closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH), Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), and all concerned agencies to ensure swift and effective response measures.
“I want to assure everyone that the city government has long prepared for situations like this. Mpox is a manageable disease, and with proper health protocols, we can prevent further spread,” the mayor said. “Let us be guided by facts, not fear,” he added.
The city government emphasized that stigma and discrimination against patients and their families must be avoided and urged the community to show compassion and support.
The public was reminded to remain calm, follow hygiene practices, observe health protocols, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
The CHO highlighted that certain individuals — pregnant women, children, senior citizens, the immunocompromised, and those with chronic illnesses—may be more vulnerable to Mpox and should take extra precaution.
Benitez urged the people to avoid spreading unverified information that may cause undue alarm.
“Rest assured, your city government is taking all necessary steps to protect your health and safety. We have overcome challenges before and with unity and vigilance, we will do so again,” he said.
Benitez called for stricter border controls at entry points, including the installation of scanners at Bredco Port here and the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental, in response to rising cases in nearby Iloilo City.