CAGAYAN de Oro City Health Office (CHO) has confirmed there are no recorded cases of mpox in the city as of May 27. However, City Health Officer Dr. Rachel Dilla urged the public to maintain health practices such as regular handwashing and wearing face masks.
In an online statement posted on the Cagayan de Oro City Information Office page, Dilla reiterated that mpox is a viral infection.
She noted that although confirmed cases have been reported in Mindanao — including Davao City, South Cotabato and Zamboanga Sibugay — there is currently no threat in Cagayan de Oro.
“Mao nang gipahimangnoan ang tanan to be careful kay although naa natay kaso sa Mindanao, wala patay kaso diri sa Cagayan de Oro,” she said, reminding residents to remain cautious.
Dilla assured the public that the CHO is closely monitoring the situation. She pointed out that the CHO will be the first to inform the public if mpox is detected in the city.
She also clarified that the memorandum she issued regarding the use of face masks was intended only for personnel at the CHO and barangay health centers.
These facilities, she said, are focused areas where patients undergo laboratory procedures — which is why mask usage is important there.
Mpox, according to Dilla, is a viral disease that originates from animals but can be transmitted to humans through close and intimate contact, particularly via bodily secretions.
“Gikan ni sya sa mananap pero pwede ma transfer sa tao,” she explained.
Dilla advised pet owners to avoid handling animals such as dogs, cats, pigs, horses and monkeys if they exhibit signs of illness.
“Distansya lang sa kay anyway viral mani sya. Mahuman ra gihapon in two to four weeks ang mpox aron dili ka nya matakdan,” she said.
She described the symptoms as flu-like in the initial stage, with rashes appearing two to four days later. The rashes typically begin flat, then swell, fill with fluid and eventually resemble pustules.
The rashes are described as painful and itchy.
Although a vaccine exists, it is not yet widely available. For now, treatment involves managing symptoms with fever-reducing medications and topical ointments to ease itching.
Since mpox is viral, Dilla said, the illness usually resolves in two to three weeks.
However, she warned that people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of severe complications, including death.
Nearby areas such as Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental and Malaybalay City have also implemented minimum public health standards to protect their constituents.
