Bacolod City has confirmed its first case of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox), Mayor Abelardo “Albee” Benitez announced today, June 15.
In a public statement, Benitez assured residents that the City Health Office is working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital (CLMMRH) to implement swift and effective response measures. Contact tracing efforts are already underway to contain the spread of the virus.
Benitez added that the patient is reported to be in stable condition, isolated, and receiving appropriate medical care.
The Bacolod City Health however withheld the name and gender of the patient, for privacy purposes.
“I want to assure everyone that the city government has long prepared for situations like this,” Mayor Benitez stated. He emphasized that Mpox is a manageable disease and that adherence to proper health protocols can prevent further transmission.
The mayor urged the public to cooperate by:
- Practicing frequent handwashing and other hygiene and safety protocols.
- Avoiding close contact with individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms or unexplained skin rashes.
- Seeking information only from official sources such as the DOH and the Bacolod City Public Information Office.
- “Let us be guided by facts, not fear,” he stressed, appealing to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary alarm.
Benitez assured the public that the city government is taking all necessary steps to protect public health and safety, stating: “We have overcome challenges before—and with unity and vigilance, we will do so again.”
