CEBU CITY — The Department of Health – Central Visayas (DoH-7) is currently investigating five suspected cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in Cebu City.

Despite ongoing concerns, the regional health agency has confirmed that no cases have been officially diagnosed in the city or anywhere in Central Visayas, which includes the provinces of Cebu, Siquijor, Bohol, and Negros Oriental.

DoH-7 regional epidemiologist Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal said that the suspected cases involve two males, two females, and one unidentified individual, all of whom have no recent travel history within the country or abroad.

She said during a virtual press conference that swab samples from the suspected cases have been sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City for confirmatory testing.

According to Cañal, until the results are received, the cases cannot be confirmed.

The investigation follows rumors that circulated on social media, particularly from a Facebook post by a user named Shilrose H Dy, claiming that five individuals in Cebu City are being treated for monkeypox.

The post quickly spread, causing widespread concern among the public.

In response to these rumors, DoH-7 said that the claims are baseless.

The agency confirmed that while suspected cases are under observation, no official diagnosis has been made and the public is urged to wait for confirmatory results before jumping into conclusions.

DoH-7 also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.

The agency stressed the importance of relying on credible sources for updates on public health matters and highlighted the need to avoid misinformation or fake news.

The health agency also emphasized the importance of following health protocols and remaining vigilant, especially in monitoring symptoms associated with mpox, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and the distinctive rash that often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.

Mpox, a viral disease caused by the mpox virus from the Orthopoxvirus genus, was first identified in monkeys in 1958, with the first human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The virus primarily spreads from animals to humans and between humans through close contact with respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, skin lesions, or contaminated materials like bedding.

Although mpox has been commonly associated with men who have sex with men, Cañal clarified that the disease is not exclusive to this group.

The agency emphasized that the virus does not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender, and it is essential for everyone to take preventive measures.

The country reported a new mpox case last week, the first since December.

The DoH central office announced on August 19 that the patient, a 33-year-old Filipino male from Manila, has no history of foreign travel.

As the situation develops, Cañal said that they continue to coordinate with health authorities to ensure accurate and timely information is disseminated to the public.