One suspected mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) case in Negros Occidental turned out to be negative, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan said on Monday, Juen 16.
There are no mpox cases in Negros Occidental, she said.
Only Bacolod City has one mpox case, Pinongan said.
Bacolod City is a highly urbanized city that is not under the Negros Occidental provincial government.
Negros Occidental is on alert and keeping a close watch to prevent mpox cases in the province, Pinongan said.
Mpox is contagious through close skin to skin contact, it is not airborne, she said.
The public should follow hygiene and safety protocols such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who have flu-like symptoms or unexplained skin rashes, she said.
Patients with mpox should be isolated for treatment, she said.
Meanwhile, she warned to take precautions against a possible rise in dengue cases with the onset of the rainy season.*