Monkey Pox in Mindanao: What You’re Not Being Told (But Should Know)

The rise of Monkey Pox in Mindanao has put local communities and health authorities on high alert. With new cases emerging in South Cotabato and Davao City, the Department of Health and the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) are working round-the-clock to contain the virus and inform the public.

Monkey Pox, or Mpox, is a contagious disease that causes painful rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and extreme fatigue. It spreads fast through direct contact and can infect anyone, especially vulnerable groups.

📍 Confirmed Cases and Affected Areas

As of May 2025:

• South Cotabato has confirmed 10 cases across municipalities including T’boli, Surallah, Koronadal, Banga, Tantangan, and Lake Sebu.
• Davao City reported 2 cases in April — one resulted in a fatality.
• Other regions across Mindanao are now under active surveillance.

Health officials emphasize early detection and responsible isolation as key strategies to curb the spread.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How Monkey Pox in Mindanao Spreads

Transmission happens mainly through:

• Skin-to-skin contact: hugging, kissing, sexual contact, cuddling
• Exposure to bodily fluids or contaminated items like clothes, bedding, or surfaces
• Animal bites or scratches, especially from infected wild or stray animals
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or after birth

Crowded spaces and intimate interactions make the virus easier to pass on.

⚠️ High-Risk Groups

Anyone can get infected, but these groups are at higher risk:

• Children and infants
• Pregnant women
• Elderly individuals
• Immunocompromised persons (e.g., people with HIV)
• People with multiple sexual partners
• Household members of confirmed cases

😰 Symptoms to Watch Out For

Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.

Early signs:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Headache
• Back pain
• Fatigue

Later symptoms:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rashes starting from the face and spreading to the body, hands, feet, and genitals

These symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks. Seek medical help if you notice any of these, especially if you’ve been in close contact with someone infected.

🧼 How to Prevent the Spread of Monkey Pox in Mindanao

Help protect yourself and others with these precautionary steps:

• Avoid close contact during social events or intimate gatherings
• Do not share personal items like towels, clothing, and utensils
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Use alcohol-based sanitizers
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, phones, toilets
• Practice safe sex and use protection
• Wear masks and gloves when caring for infected individuals
• Avoid contact with wild or sick animals

🏥 What To Do If You Suspect You Have Monkey Pox

If you think you might have symptoms:

• Stay at home and avoid contact with others
• Notify those you’ve recently been close to
• Contact your nearest healthcare provider
• Keep rashes clean and dry, avoid scratching
• Cover lesions with clean clothing or bandages
• Clean your surroundings daily
• Use recommended disinfectants

Act fast and responsibly to prevent further transmission.

📣 Final Reminder

The spread of Monkey Pox in Mindanao is real, but it can be controlled. Stay updated, stay safe, and protect those around you.

Good health is a shared responsibility. Let’s act with care, not fear.

#MonkeyPoxMindanao #HealthAlertPH #LigtasNaKomunidad

📚 Sources:

• ABS-CBN News. (2025, May 23). Mpox cases in South Cotabato rise to 10. Retrieved from: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/5/23/mpox-cases-in-south-cotabato-rise-to-10-1628
• Philippine News Agency. (2025, April 18). 2 Mpox cases confirmed in Davao City; one patient dies. Retrieved from: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1248347
• Public Health Advisory on Mpox. (2025). Shared by IPHO and DOH via provincial bulletin and health forums.