South Cotabato: The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of South Cotabato announced the confirmation of a second monkeypox (mpox) case in the Soccsksargen region, specifically involving a resident of Lake Sebu town. The patient is reported to be in stable condition, undergoing recovery, and remains under close monitoring by local health authorities, as stated by Eldon Hans Serame, the IPHO-South Cotabato health education and promotion officer, during an interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, this latest development increases the total number of mpox cases in Region 12, also known as Soccsksargen, to two. The initial case involved a patient from Tulunan in North Cotabato who sought medical attention in South Cotabato. Both cases have been confirmed to involve the milder 'Clade II' variant of the virus.

A week before this confirmation, the IPHO South Cotabato had reported two suspected mpox cases, with specimens sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The positive test result for the Lake Sebu resident was released on April 28. Additionally, another suspected case, a 30-year-old male who consulted at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, also tested positive and is currently in isolation in North Cotabato province.

In response to the confirmation of the mpox case in South Cotabato, Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. urged the public to practice diligent sanitation, maintain strict hygiene, and remain cautious to prevent the virus's potential spread. The provincial government is actively monitoring the situation and reassured residents that the situation is under control, with no cause for alarm.