TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (June 17, 2025) — Local health officials here have confirmed the province’s first case of mpox, marking a fresh concern for public health in the region.
The official Facebook pages of Governor Susan Yap and the Provincial Health Office cited the Department of Health’s (DOH) confirmation of the first case of mpox in the province.
While details about the patient remain limited for privacy reasons, authorities are emphasizing the importance of heightened vigilance and adherence to preventive measures. They are also actively conducting contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the confirmed case. Those identified as close contacts will be advised to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms.
Meanwhile, Concepcion, Tarlac, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Benjamin Bengco denied reports that there is an mpox patient at the Concepcion District Hospital.
This comes amid a slight increase in mpox cases observed in some locations across the Philippines, although the DOH assures the public that the figures remain lower than those of last year. The country continues to be under “Clade 2” of the virus, which is generally considered less severe and self-limiting compared to “Clade 1.”
Mpox is a viral disease that can cause a painful rash, often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Transmission primarily occurs through close, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, particularly with their rash, scabs, or bodily fluids. It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects like bedding or clothing.
Local health officials are reiterating calls for the public to observe minimum health protocols. These include frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and avoiding close intimate contact with individuals suspected of having the disease. While not mandatory, wearing face masks in crowded areas is also encouraged as a general precaution against viral diseases.
Residents experiencing any symptoms indicative of mpox are strongly urged to seek immediate medical attention from their nearest healthcare provider or contact their local health office. Early detection and isolation are crucial in preventing further transmission of the virus.
