10 Mpox cases detected in Davao Region in  two months

DOH Urges Public to Avoid Close Physical Contact Amid Rising Infections

DAVAO CITY (May 31) — Health authorities have confirmed a total of 10 Mpox (monkeypox) cases in the Davao Region in the past two months, raising concerns in a region with over 5.2 million residents across five provinces, six cities, 43 municipalities, and 1,162 barangays.

According to Department of Health (DOH) regional spokesperson Sofia Corazon Zafra, six cases were confirmed in Davao City in April, while four new patients are currently isolated and undergoing close monitoring. All confirmed cases are reportedly in stable condition.

The patients were diagnosed by specialists and tested positive for the Mpox virus. Contact tracing efforts are being actively conducted, and all identified close contacts have shown no symptoms to date.

In addition to Davao City, Davao de Oro recorded three cases, with two patients now recovered and one still undergoing treatment. One case was reported in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, while Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental have reported no cases to date.

Mpox is primarily transmitted through intimate or prolonged physical contact, such as skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and other close interactions. It is not airborne, and transmission usually requires direct exposure to infected lesions or body fluids.

Zafra emphasized the importance of maintaining minimum health standards to curb the spread, including maintaining a physical distance of at least two meters, avoiding intimate contact with symptomatic individuals, and practicing good hygiene.

“We urge everyone to remain calm but alert. The health system is responding, and all cases are being handled according to protocol,” Zafra said.

Given Davao Region’s large and diverse population, the DOH is working closely with local government units to raise awareness and promote community-level prevention.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise the public to report any suspected symptoms immediately.