COTABATO CITY โ The Bangsamoro government has intensified its information campaign on monkeypox prevention after two residents of Maguindanao del Norte tested positive for the disease.
Six others are also in isolation facilities under close medical surveillance after exhibiting symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
Bangsamoro Health Minister Dr. Kadil Monera Sinolinding Jr. told reporters on Wednesday, May 21, that one of the confirmed cases is from Datu Odin Sinsuat, while the other is a resident of Sultan Kudarat town.
Both municipalities are in Maguindanao del Norte and are near Cotabato City, the regional capital of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
โWe have mobilized all our health service teams to exhaust every possible means to prevent the spread of monkeypox in the areas where the two patients reside,โ Sinolinding said.
He added that the Office of Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Abdul Macacua and the Ministry of Health-BARMM are working closely together to implement protective measures for residents of Maguindanao del Norte.
Local radio stations in Cotabato City and nearby towns have pledged support for the Ministry of Healthโs campaign to raise public awareness about monkeypox.
โWe have been conducting this information drive for some time. Weโre simply intensifying it now,โ Sinolinding added.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the virus that causes smallpox. Though generally less severe than smallpox, monkeypox can still lead to serious health complications, especially among children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
It was first identified in 1958 among laboratory monkeys, with the first human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals (such as rodents or primates) to humans. Human-to-human transmission can occur through:
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Direct contact with an infected personโs lesions, body fluids, or scabs
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Respiratory droplets during prolonged close contact
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Contact with contaminated materials like bedding or clothing
Symptoms and Duration
Common symptoms include:
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Fever
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Headache
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Muscle aches
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Fatigue
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A rash that starts as flat lesions and evolves into fluid-filled blisters before scabbing over
The illness typically lasts two to four weeks, and most patients recover without treatment. However, isolation and medical monitoring are crucial to prevent further spread.
Public Health Response
The Bangsamoro government has urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and to seek medical attention for any suspicious symptoms. Officials also emphasized the importance of hygiene practices, timely reporting, and cooperation with health authorities as key steps to contain the disease.
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