7 HIV patients in Davao Region co-infected with mpox

Seven HIV patients in Davao Region co-infected with mpox

DAVAO CITY – Seven out of 11 patients diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Davao Region have also tested positive for mpox (formerly monkeypox), a top official from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) confirmed on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

During a press briefing, SPMC chief Dr. Ricardo Audan revealed that the majority of these co-infected cases were male. Since April 10 of this year, SPMC has recorded a total of 14 mpox cases.

“Seven mpox cases were admitted [at SPMC]. The other seven were already discharged,” Dr. Audan added.

He clarified that wearing face masks is not mandatory for mpox prevention, as the virus is not airborne. However, SPMC encourages the public to wear masks in crowded places as an additional precaution.

“It’s not mandatory, there is nothing to lockdown, and there is nothing to worry,” he reiterated, aiming to allay public fears.

Dr. Audan assured the public that SPMC is fully prepared with designated isolated rooms with negative pressure and a capacity of nine beds specifically for mpox patients, should cases escalate.

This local situation in Davao comes as the Department of Health (DOH) has called on the government to declare a national public health emergency for HIV. In a statement on Tuesday, June 3, the DOH said the number of confirmed HIV cases per day nationwide reached 57 from January to March this year, marking a 500% increase, the highest in the Western Pacific Region.