VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – The provincial government of Ilocos Sur said there is no evidence of local transmission of Mpox, an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, in the province, following the recording of its first case on April 19.
In a statement released April 23, the provincial government identified the patient as a 34-year-old female overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from the town of Tagudin.
She began experiencing symptoms, such as fever, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, as early as December 2024 while still abroad.
She returned to the Philippines on March 1 and stayed in another province before coming to Ilocos Sur on March 4.
Currently, she is undergoing treatment at the llocos Training and Regional Medical Center in La Union.
“While Mpox continues to be a global public health concern, we would like to guarantee everyone that this is an isolated case. The patient has a clear history of international travel, and her contacts within the province have been minimal,” the statement reads.
It added, “Our local epidemiology and surveillance officers have already conducted a thorough investigation and are closely monitoring all identified contacts. At this time, we can confidently state that there is no evidence of local transmission of the disease in llocos Sur.”
Arvin Plete, surveillance officer of the Provincial Health Office, said the patient has a Clade II Mpox type, which is the less severe variant.
“As of this morning, the patient is not in critical condition and is receiving treatment at a hospital in La Union. Her contacts have been identified and are now in quarantine, under close monitoring by our health workers. They show no signs and symptoms of the disease,” he said.
Plete urged the public, especially those returning from areas with recorded cases of mpox, to visit a healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as unexplained rashes, fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes.
To reduce the risk of contracting the disease, he recommended that people wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, touching their face, or after using the restroom.
Since the disease spreads through close or intimate contact, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining physical distance and avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with individuals with a rash that looks like mpox.
“The Provincial Health Office is actively disseminating information about mpox and other diseases to better reach and assist the public through social media and in-person interactions, such as forums and visits to various areas within the province,” he added.
Moreover, the provincial government encouraged everyone to remain calm and vigilant while staying informed through verified sources like the Department of Health, the Provincial Health Office, and the local government units, among others. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
