Central Visayas Monitors Six Suspected Monkeypox Cases
CEBU CITY – Health officials in Central Visayas are closely monitoring six suspected monkeypox cases to prevent a wider spread of the virus. The Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7) reported on Monday, June 2, that these cases are distributed across Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and Lapu-Lapu City.
Three cases have been identified in Cebu City, while Mandaue, Talisay, and Lapu-Lapu each have one suspected patient. DOH-7 Director Joshua Brillantes confirmed that although a patient in Talisay died, the cause of death was due to other medical complications, not monkeypox.
Young Adults Most Affected Since 2024
Brillantes shared that since the start of 2024, around 60 suspected monkeypox cases have been recorded, mostly affecting individuals aged 20 to 24 years old. This trend highlights the need for heightened vigilance and response efforts in the region.
In response, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has established a dedicated inter-agency task force to prevent a potential outbreak. On Monday, he signed an executive order creating the Inter-Agency Task Force Against Mpox, which will lead the city’s surveillance, prevention, and response initiatives.
Inter-Agency Task Force to Lead Prevention Efforts
“The city government of Cebu acknowledges the recent confirmation of monkeypox cases within the Visayas region, including cases in Talisay City, Iloilo City, and Iloilo province, and a suspected case in Mandaue City, as reported by local health authorities,” Mayor Garcia said.
Mayor Garcia will chair the task force, with the City Health Department serving as vice chairperson and the Office of the City Administrator as co-vice chairperson. Other members include representatives from the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Health, Business Permits and Licensing Office, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Department of Social Welfare and Services, Cebu City Medical Center, Local School Board, Public Information Office, and Barangay Affairs Office.
The task force aims to ensure coordinated efforts in monitoring cases, educating the public, and preparing healthcare facilities to handle possible cases. Local leaders emphasized the importance of community cooperation and awareness to effectively contain the virus.
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