The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Negros Occidental is currently investigating two suspected cases of monkeypox (mpox) reported in separate areas of the province, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan.
Pinongan confirmed that one suspected patient — a bus driver — has already been admitted at the Kabankalan City Hospital in Barangay Tabugon due to symptoms associated with mpox. Another suspected case involved a child whose parents refused to allow admission at the Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial Hospital in La Carlota City.
Based on photos sent to the PHO and an assessment by La Carlota Hospital Chief Dr. Carmelo Arguelles, Pinongan noted that the symptoms observed, particularly the lesions, appear more consistent with common skin infections or rashes, rather than monkeypox.
However, Pinongan clarified that the PHO cannot declare either patient as “safe” or mpox-negative until laboratory testing is conducted.
She explained that although the symptoms do not strongly resemble a typical mpox, specimen collection is essential for confirmation.
The PHO has since issued an advisory to all health facilities, hospitals, and local government units to closely monitor and prioritize patients who show symptoms or are suspected of having mpox.
Clarification
To help the public better understand the situation, Bacolodnon infectious disease expert Dr. Melvin Sanicas emphasized that mpox is not like COVID-19 in how it spreads.
“Unlike COVID-19, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is NOT primarily spread by people without symptoms,” Sanicas said.
“While asymptomatic transmission played a major role in the spread of COVID-19, mpox typically requires close, often prolonged contact with someone who is clearly symptomatic — through skin lesions, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets during extended face-to-face interactions,” he said in his Facebook post.
“Let’s stop thinking of mpox as ‘another COVID.’ It’s NOT. If you have not had close, direct contact with someone showing symptoms, your risk is extremely low,” he added.
Sanicas also addressed growing concerns about asymptomatic spread, often fueled by online rumors and group chat messages.
“A few studies have explored the possibility of asymptomatic transmission, but current evidence shows that such cases are rare and unlikely to drive outbreaks. The most effective way to prevent mpox is recognizing symptoms early and avoiding close contact during that time,” he said.
“And please — stop believing everything you read in your group chats,” he stressed. “Those GCs are great for catching up and sharing gossip, but not for credible medical information. Stick to trusted sources and evidence-based guidance. Misinformation helps no one — but calm, clear facts can protect everyone,” the physician added.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.