09/06/2025
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BAGUIO CITY --The City Government of Baguio, through the City Health Services Office (CHSO) under Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, said there are zero active confirmed Mpox cases in the Summer Capital as of June 3, 2025, based on data from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) and that all seven previously confirmed cases have fully recovered.
This was disclosed by CESU Epidemiologist Ruby Magsino and CHSO nurse and contact tracer Patricia Hadap during a media forum, June 4, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.
The confirmed cases, reported earlier this year, involved individuals aged between 21 and 35 years β six males and one female. In total, the city has monitored 86 close contacts linked to these cases.
As of June 3, Baguio is monitoring two suspect cases, both males aged 50 and 43, who are currently isolated in separate health facilities.
These individuals are undergoing further medical evaluation and are currently waiting for laboratory test results.
A "suspect case" refers to an individual showing symptoms consistent with Mpox who requires testing and observation.
Mpox is characterized by a rash along with flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. The rash typically appears as flat spots, which then develop into raised bumps, fill with fluid, and eventually crust over and fall off.
No new confirmed cases have been reported since the last one on March 2, 2025 β 87 days prior to the report of a new suspect case on May 29, 2025.
To manage and contain the spread of Mpox, the local Mpox Task Force has proactively implemented the following measures: Immediate Isolation and Case Management; Aggressive Testing and Contact Tracing; Surveillance and Monitoring Systems on Mpox has been activated in all 16 District Health Centers where there is clear reporting and response system; Information Campaigns and Community Engagements; and Capacity Building for Health Workers.
While the current status is encouraging, the CHSO stressed that continued vigilance is essential since Mpox can still spread through intimate or close physical contact, especially with individuals exhibiting symptoms, including using linen and other items infected with Mpox.
The disease can also spread from infected animals to humans, Hadap said.
She warned that in rare cases, Mpox may lead to fatality if the person infected has comorbidities, low resistance or does not have a strong immune system.
The public is advised to always have good hygiene; practice a healthy lifestyle; and proceed immediately to the nearest health centers or hospitals at the onset of symptoms or call 911.-Gaby B. Keith