Mati City: Health officials in Mati City confirmed on Thursday the first case of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, in the city, prompting immediate containment measures and renewed calls for vigilance from the public.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan Jr., head of the Mati City Health Office (CHO), stated that the patient was initially evaluated through the CHO's telemedicine service and later tested positive for mpox. He noted that the patient had mild symptoms and was stable, so he was placed in home isolation with close monitoring.

Dr. Catbagan emphasized that contact tracing and close contact surveillance were conducted per national guidelines. He further mentioned that the patient completed isolation on June 20 and is now recovering well.

The Mati City Health Office, in conjunction with barangay surveillance units, is conducting enhanced monitoring via the Incident Management System, aligned with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health protocols.

Mpox, caused by an orthopoxvirus, mainly spreads through close contact with people who have active lesions.