Davao City, Philippines — Health authorities in Davao City have confirmed two cases of monkeypox, or mpox, following reports from the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) on April 16, 2025. One of the patients, who was reportedly in a severely immunocompromised condition, has unfortunately passed away due to complications unrelated directly to mpox.
According to the City Health Office (CHO), both patients were admitted to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) isolation facility upon confirmation of their infection. Close contacts of the patients have been identified and are under strict monitoring, as the city implements its established response measures to contain the spread of the virus.
In a statement released by the Department of Health on April 18, the agency clarified that the mpox cases detected in Davao belong to the same Clade II variant that has been circulating globally. DOH emphasized that the current level of risk remains unchanged and assured the public that proper surveillance and containment protocols are in place.
What is Monkeypox (Mpox)?
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a relative of smallpox, though typically less severe. It was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, with human cases recorded as early as 1970 in Central and West Africa. In recent years, mpox has gained global attention due to outbreaks beyond its traditional endemic regions.
The virus spreads through close physical contact, especially skin-to-skin interaction, with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets, contaminated materials such as clothes or bed linens, and contact with infected animals. Symptoms usually appear within 6 to 13 days of exposure but can take as long as 21 days.
Symptoms of Mpox
Common signs of infection include:
- Skin rashes or mucosal lesions lasting 2 to 4 weeks
- Fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes
- Headache and muscle aches
- Back pain and extreme fatigue
While the disease is typically self-limiting, individuals with weakened immune systems, children, and pregnant women are at higher risk of complications.
How to Prevent Mpox Infection
Health authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and practice preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection:
- Avoid Close Contact: Refrain from intimate or skin-to-skin contact, including kissing, hugging, and sexual activities, with anyone showing signs of mpox or confirmed to have the infection.
- Practice Hand Hygiene: Regular and thorough hand-washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers can prevent the spread of the virus.
- Disinfect Surfaces and Objects: Clean and disinfect surfaces and materials that may have come into contact with an infected person.
- Limit Animal Contact: Avoid handling wild or domestic mammals showing signs of illness, especially in areas where mpox is present. Pets can also be at risk, so observe them for symptoms such as rash, fever, lethargy, and appetite loss.
If you or someone you know develops symptoms linked to mpox, you are advised to contact the City Health Office’s City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) at 09495011457 or visit the nearest healthcare provider immediately.
Authorities are appealing to the public to remain calm, adhere to health guidelines, and avoid spreading misinformation. “The risk remains manageable, and our surveillance systems are working,” the DOH assured in its statement.
Further updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.