BICOL—The Department of Health - Center for Health Development in Bicol (DOH-CHD-5) confirmed on Thursday that there are currently no mpox cases detected or under surveillance across the region's six provinces.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH-Bicol’s epidemiology and surveillance unit chief, Dr. Aurora Teresa Daluro, emphasized the absence of cases but reiterated the region’s commitment to vigilant monitoring. “We don’t have a case yet; although we don’t, we are always monitoring our region. Effective and continuous monitoring is what will help us contain cases just in case,” Dr. Daluro stated during a press conference.

Dr. Daluro also highlighted the preparedness of local hospitals to manage potential mpox patients, noting that the health facilities are well-equipped and have adapted to the transmission mode of the virus. She assured that hospitals could admit mpox cases if necessary and that local government units are prepared to conduct house-to-house monitoring.

Mpox, primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual, can present symptoms such as skin rashes, mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes, lasting between two to four weeks.

Dr. Daluro urged the public to follow prevention measures to avoid mpox, including minimizing prolonged skin-to-skin contact and using personal protective equipment like masks, gloves, and long sleeves.

DOH-Bicol Regional Director Dr. Rodolfo Antonio Albornoz further stated that local government units, health facilities, and regional partners have been thoroughly oriented on handling mpox cases. “We make sure they prepare and have their isolation rooms and wards ready just in case. For complicated cases, we also have ready dermatologists and infectious disease experts to address all concerns of the patient,” Dr. Albornoz explained.