Just when we thought we’d seen the last of them, Mpox and COVID-19 are here…
Iloilo: 2 Mpox Cases
Health authorities have confirmed two Mpox cases in Iloilo, one in Iloilo Province and another in Iloilo City—marking the province’s first official detection of the virus.
In the province, the patient reportedly has no recent travel history, suggesting that local transmission is already happening. Nine close contacts have been identified and are now under home isolation and monitoring.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City has also logged one case, with four others under observation. The Department of Health (DOH) is still determining if these suspected cases are linked to the confirmed patient.
Cebu: 1 Deceased and 1 Suspected
Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas confirmed on Thursday, May 29, that the city has recorded its first case of Mpox. In a public statement posted on social media, the mayor clarified that while the patient had tested positive for Mpox, the cause of death was not due to the virus itself. According to Gullas, the individual succumbed to complications brought on by pre-existing medical conditions unrelated to the infection.
Meanwhile, Mandaue City is also on alert as local health officials investigate suspected cases. Dr. Debra Catulong, chief of the Mandaue City Health Office, shared that one patient presenting with lesions, a common symptom of Mpox, was immediately placed in isolation.
COVID-19 Update: Still Present in Iloilo
While everyone’s eyes are on Mpox, COVID-19 is quietly lingering in Iloilo City. According to the Iloilo City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ICESU), as of May 28, 2025, the city has recorded 31 total COVID-19 cases with 29 recovered and 2 active cases.
That may seem like a small number, but Iloilo City health officials are still urging symptomatic individuals, especially those who’ve recently traveled to high-risk areas (like Hong Kong, Singapore, China, or Thailand), to take precautions by self-isolating for at least 5 days and get tested voluntarily at the USWAG Molecular Lab in Molo.
DOH: No Need to Panic, But Be Careful
The Department of Health is assuring everyone that the situation is under control. There are no lockdowns or travel restrictions, but the public is reminded to always maintain proper hygiene, avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting rashes and flu-like symptoms, and report any unusual skin lesions or fever to the nearest health facility.
City and provincial health offices are conducting contact tracing and awareness drives to prevent the virus from spreading further.
