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Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
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Lapu-Lapu City Reports First Confirmed Mpox Case for 2025
Local health authorities confirm recovery of the first mpox patient as city remains vigilant.
Lapu-Lapu City has confirmed its first case of mpox for the year 2025. The individual, a 27-year-old male resident, has recovered and is currently not considered contagious, according to Dr. Agnes Realiza, head of the City Health Office (CHO).
The patient tested positive for the viral disease in mid-May and subsequently completed a mandatory 21-day home quarantine.
The patient, who has no recent travel history, was initially suspected of having the infection and was treated primarily with antihistamines and antibiotics to manage symptoms, which included skin rashes.
Dr. Realiza clarified that the specific hometown of the patient was not disclosed due to privacy concerns.
During a period of isolation beginning in the second week of May, the patient was continuously monitored and reassessed at the end of the isolation duration.
Contact tracing was conducted by the CHO, and all identified individuals who were in close contact with the patient remained asymptomatic.
Upon completing the isolation period and showing no lingering symptoms, the patient was officially declared recovered by a physician and received medical clearance in the first week of June.
Dr. Realiza emphasized that individuals who have fully recovered from mpox are no longer capable of transmitting the virus.
The CHO reported that the patient’s skin rashes had healed, allowing for his return to work.
Prior to this case, three younger individuals in Lapu-Lapu City, aged between 20 and 35, exhibited symptoms that could resemble mpox.
However, confirmatory tests conducted in 2024 returned negative results for the viral infection.
As of June 10, the CHO has indicated that there are no additional suspected cases of mpox currently being monitored in the city.
In light of the recovered case and the absence of new infections, health officials are still advising the public to remain informed and vigilant regarding mpox transmission.
Dr. Realiza urged residents not to panic, highlighting that mpox spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact, distinguishing its mode of transmission from airborne diseases like Covid-19.
Public health recommendations include maintaining good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded environments.
Residents are also encouraged to seek medical attention immediately if they observe any symptoms such as rashes.
The City Health Office has established designated hotlines for reporting any potential cases, available for public use.
As part of ongoing preparedness measures, the CHO has activated a dedicated mpox task force, authorized under an executive order by outgoing Mayor and Congressman-elect Junard 'Ahong' Chan.
The patient tested positive for the viral disease in mid-May and subsequently completed a mandatory 21-day home quarantine.
The patient, who has no recent travel history, was initially suspected of having the infection and was treated primarily with antihistamines and antibiotics to manage symptoms, which included skin rashes.
Dr. Realiza clarified that the specific hometown of the patient was not disclosed due to privacy concerns.
During a period of isolation beginning in the second week of May, the patient was continuously monitored and reassessed at the end of the isolation duration.
Contact tracing was conducted by the CHO, and all identified individuals who were in close contact with the patient remained asymptomatic.
Upon completing the isolation period and showing no lingering symptoms, the patient was officially declared recovered by a physician and received medical clearance in the first week of June.
Dr. Realiza emphasized that individuals who have fully recovered from mpox are no longer capable of transmitting the virus.
The CHO reported that the patient’s skin rashes had healed, allowing for his return to work.
Prior to this case, three younger individuals in Lapu-Lapu City, aged between 20 and 35, exhibited symptoms that could resemble mpox.
However, confirmatory tests conducted in 2024 returned negative results for the viral infection.
As of June 10, the CHO has indicated that there are no additional suspected cases of mpox currently being monitored in the city.
In light of the recovered case and the absence of new infections, health officials are still advising the public to remain informed and vigilant regarding mpox transmission.
Dr. Realiza urged residents not to panic, highlighting that mpox spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact, distinguishing its mode of transmission from airborne diseases like Covid-19.
Public health recommendations include maintaining good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded environments.
Residents are also encouraged to seek medical attention immediately if they observe any symptoms such as rashes.
The City Health Office has established designated hotlines for reporting any potential cases, available for public use.
As part of ongoing preparedness measures, the CHO has activated a dedicated mpox task force, authorized under an executive order by outgoing Mayor and Congressman-elect Junard 'Ahong' Chan.
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