MANILA, Philippines – Health authorities across the southern Philippines are stepping up surveillance as mpox cases climb in several provinces. This comes amidst concerns about another zoonotic disease, glanders, which has caused two deaths in Siquijor province.

Mpox Update: South Cotabato and Iloilo City

South Cotabato has recorded 10 mpox cases as of May 22, according to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO). Infections have been reported in Tboli (4), Surallah (2), Banga (1), Tantangan (1), Lake Sebu (1), and Koronadal City (1). 

Eldon Hans Serame, IPHO’s health education officer, said the increase reflects the province’s vigilant surveillance and active contact tracing. “When we detect a case, this is because our surveillance system is very active, as are our contact tracing efforts,” he explained. Individuals with symptoms are immediately isolated, even before confirmed test results. 

Dr. Conrado Braña of the IPHO added that they’re investigating transmission, as some cases have no travel history. He emphasized that mpox is more manageable than COVID-19, and pandemic-era health standards have boosted public awareness. 

Separately, Iloilo City confirmed its first mpox case on May 27. City Health Office official Dr. Mary Ann Diaz noted the patient had no recent travel, prompting an investigation into local transmission. Four close contacts are being monitored while awaiting test results. The patient is in stable condition.

Glanders Fatalities in Siquijor

In Siquijor province, two men have died from glanders, a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals like goats, horses, and carabaos. The Department of Health (DOH) in the Negros Island Region confirmed the fatalities, both of whom had underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes and were hospitalized in Negros Oriental. 

Dr. Nikka Hao, DOH-NIR director, said a new NIR One Health Task Force is managing the situation. She highlighted that glanders is a known disease with available treatment and prevention, and human-to-human transmission is rare. The DOH advises avoiding direct contact with animals and consuming meat from sick animals. Surveillance, contact tracing, and community health education are ongoing, with animal monitoring led by the Department of Agriculture. Glanders symptoms include fever, cough, and body pain. 

Regional Response to Mpox 

The rise in cases has led to preemptive measures in other areas. In Bohol, the provincial health office advised all health units to intensify information campaigns on mpox prevention. Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, acting head of the Bohol Provincial Health Office, stressed early consultation and isolation. “Monkeypox is preventable and manageable with timely action,” Uy stated. The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas has yet to issue a regional statement. 

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease causing symptoms like fever, headache, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It primarily spreads through close contact. The disease, first identified in 1970, saw wider global spread from 2022, leading the WHO to declare a high-level alert in 2024. Currently, treatment focuses on symptom management.