Davao City, Philippines – June 4, 2025 — The City Health Office (CHO) of Davao remains firm in its campaign to curb the spread of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, as it intensifies contact tracing and monitoring efforts across the city.
According to Farrah Mae Clamor, head of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU), four out of the seven confirmed Mpox cases in Davao City have already recovered and have been discharged.
“This means that when a patient is discharged, their symptoms are gone and they are no longer infectious,” Clamor explained in a recent interview.
However, she cautioned that even after recovery, individuals remain at risk if they come into close contact with someone infected by the virus.
Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, Program Manager for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases at the CHO, reported during the City Council’s 21st regular session on Tuesday that the city recorded seven Mpox cases from January 1 to June 2. She noted that 49 close contacts were identified, of whom 35 have completed the mandatory 21-day monitoring period symptom-free. The remaining 14 individuals are still under observation.
Mpox is a viral disease marked by painful rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle and back pain, and low energy. It spreads primarily through close contact with infected people or animals, and through exposure to contaminated materials.
To prevent further transmission, the CHO continues to strictly enforce public health protocols. These include proper handwashing for at least two minutes, use of alcohol-based sanitizers, regular disinfection of commonly touched surfaces, and avoiding close, intimate contact—especially with individuals showing symptoms.
Health authorities urge anyone experiencing Mpox symptoms to immediately isolate and contact the appropriate health agencies for assistance.
Residents can report suspected cases or seek assistance through the following hotlines:
- CHO-CESU: 0949 501 1457
- CHO Operation Center (OPCEN): 0945 813 6065 / 0927 604 5797 / 0919 071 1111
- Bureau of Quarantine XI: (082) 228 6701 / 0917 153 2046
- Bureau of Quarantine – Airport Office: 0917 150 3122
- Office of Civil Defense XI: 0917 178 9711
- SPMC Patient Navigation and Referral Unit (PNRU): (082) 227 2731 local 1120 / 0917 815 2390 / 0915 541 3040 (Viber)
The CHO reiterates its commitment to keeping the public informed and protected through proactive surveillance, timely interventions, and community cooperation.