Capiz records first mpox case
The province of Capiz has recorded its first confirmed mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) case, the local government announced on Friday, June 20, 2025.
MANILA, Philippines — The province of Capiz has recorded its first confirmed mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) case, the local government announced on Friday.
The Capiz provincial government said in a statement that the patient is currently under home isolation and is “being appropriately managed by the concerned local health office.”
“The patient’s skin lesions are reported to be almost fully healed, and all identified close contacts have been traced, assessed, and monitored,” the provincial government said.
On Tuesday, the province reported seven suspected mpox cases, one of which included the first confirmed case. As of the time of writing, two laboratory test results from Polymerase Chain Reaction testing have been released—one positive and one negative.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mpox symptoms typically include a skin rash or sores in the mouth or other moist areas of the body, which last from two to four weeks. Fever, headache, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue may also occur.
READ: Mpox: What is it, how it spreads, care for patients
Most people with mpox recover within two to four weeks, the WHO added.
READ: WHO: Mpox still a public health emergency
The Capiz provincial government urged the public to observe minimum health standards, including:
• Proper hand hygiene
• Wearing of face masks in crowded areas
• Observing cough and sneeze etiquette
• Avoiding close contact with people exhibiting symptoms
• Consulting with the nearest health facility when needed
The Department of Health logged 911 mpox cases in the country from January to May. (Lau Bacia, INQUIRER.net trainee)/coa