DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The number of confirmed mpox (formerly monkeypox) cases in Davao City has risen to six, with four new infections reported by the City Health Office (CHO) on Friday. This increase comes as neighboring Davao del Sur has mandated face mask wearing in public spaces following its first confirmed mpox case.

Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, CHO medical coordinator for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, stated that the four new patients are under close monitoring. While their close contacts are also being observed, they will not be isolated, adhering to current Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.

Last month, Davao City had reported two initial mpox cases. One of these patients unfortunately passed away, though Dr. Zafra clarified that the death was due to underlying complications from another illness, not mpox itself. The other previously reported case has since recovered.

Dr. Zafra urged Davao City residents to refrain from panic buying face masks. She emphasized that the primary focus for prevention should be avoiding close skin-to-skin contact, including handshakes, hugs, and kisses, given mpox’s main transmission route.

Meanwhile, in Davao del Sur, Governor Yvonne Cagas has issued a mandate for face mask usage in indoor public spaces throughout the province, including markets, offices, transportation hubs, churches, and businesses. Masks are also required in crowded outdoor areas where physical distancing is difficult to maintain, and in all healthcare facilities, especially when attending to suspected or confirmed mpox patients. This decision follows the province’s first confirmed mpox case in Magsaysay town.