ILOILO CITY, Philippines – The Iloilo City Health Office (ICHO) on Monday confirmed a total of four laboratory-confirmed mpox cases, with two additional suspected cases now under investigation, bringing the total number of individuals being monitored to six.

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The three new confirmed cases were identified from a previous list of four suspected individuals. According to Dr. Mary Ann Poli-Diaz, head of the ICHO, these three new cases have no direct close contact with the city’s first confirmed mpox patient. However, one of the newly confirmed patients does have a history of domestic travel. All confirmed and suspected patients are adults, some with comorbidities, and are currently in stable condition while receiving medical treatment under isolation.

The ICHO is continuing its investigation to determine if there is community transmission of the virus. Dr. Poli-Diaz noted that the city’s first confirmed mpox case is already recuperating, although still under isolation due to lingering lesions as per protocol.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office reported that the patient confirmed earlier to be positive for mpox, a minor, has already recovered.

To enhance testing capabilities, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas will request the Department of Health (DOH) to authorize the Uswag Molecular Laboratory to conduct mpox tests, aiming for a faster turnaround time for results.

Iloilo health authorities continue to urge the public to remain calm, observe health protocols such as frequent handwashing, avoiding crowded places, and wearing face masks. They also emphasize the importance of truthful symptom reporting and seeking early consultation. The ICHO, in coordination with the Iloilo City Government, is actively engaging with schools, barangay officials, border checkpoints, and workplaces to strengthen prevention and containment efforts. They are also identifying a temporary isolation facility in anticipation of any further increase in cases.