DOH-Davao Confirms 8 Mpox Cases in Region 11

THE Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao) reported eight confirmed cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) in the region but emphasized that face masks are not mandatory and there is no need for a lockdown.

During the Kapehan sa Dabaw forum on June 2, 2025, at SM City Davao, Dr. David A. Mendoza, assistant regional director of DOH-Davao, confirmed the eight cases, six of which are from Davao City—consistent with figures previously reported by the City Health Office (CHO).

“For the entire region, we have so many suspects, but only eight confirmed cases so far,”  Mendoza said.

He did not disclose the exact locations of the two other cases as their addresses are still being verified. He noted that one patient had traveled outside Davao, but the rest had no travel history or contact with known Mpox cases.

Mendoza assured the public that the eight confirmed cases are not alarming. All patients have been treated and are currently isolated in hospitals.

He stressed that wearing face masks is not urgently required since Mpox is not a respiratory or airborne virus, nor as deadly as Covid-19. Mpox primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact and prolonged exposure to an infected person.

Wearing masks is a personal choice, Mendoza said, especially if someone has flu-like symptoms or a cough. He advised avoiding sharing personal items like towels, blankets, pillows, and bed sheets, practicing proper handwashing, using 70% alcohol-based sanitizers, and staying informed.

Isolation of Mpox patients does not need to be strict; people should simply avoid using the patient’s frequently touched items and areas.

DOH-accredited hospitals are ready to admit Mpox patients if cases rise, with fast lanes already implemented.

Mendoza explained that, like other viruses, Mpox tends to come and go, and there is no specific treatment. There are two types (clades): Clade I, which is more deadly, and Clade II, which has a mortality rate of less than one percent.

He called on establishments involving skin-to-skin contact, such as salons, barbershops, gyms, and massage parlors, to strictly follow public health standards. This includes providing handwashing facilities and regularly disinfecting high-touch areas like escalator rails and doorknobs.

Businesses should screen workers and customers for symptoms before services. However, there is no need to limit the number of passengers in public utility vehicles since Mpox requires prolonged contact to spread.

To recall, the CHO confirmed six Mpox cases in Davao City as of May 2025, with four active but stable, one recovered, and one death unrelated to Mpox complications. Meanwhile,the  Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) reported monitoring seven suspected patients; three tested positive via the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Of the seven patients, four are from Davao City, two from Davao del Sur, and one undisclosed. Since April 10, 2025, SPMC has treated 14 Mpox patients, seven of whom have been discharged.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Mpox is caused by the Mpox virus and presents symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body. RGP