Monkeypox Cases Among HIV Patients in Davao City
Davao City’s Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) confirmed that 11 of the 14 monkeypox cases recorded in the hospital are individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This combination makes them more vulnerable due to their weakened immune systems.
At a recent media forum, SPMC chief Dr. Ricardo Audan reported that seven patients who tested positive for both monkeypox and HIV remain hospitalized. Meanwhile, four other HIV-positive patients, three of whom tested negative for monkeypox, have been discharged.
“We handled 14 reported mpox cases. Seven are still admitted at SPMC. The other seven were discharged – two of them were confirmed positive and have recovered, three tested negative, one died with confirmed mpox, and another one died but tested negative for mpox,” Audan explained.
Patient Details and Transmission Insights
Dr. Audan clarified that although there were supposed to be six remaining monkeypox patients in the hospital, a previously discharged patient experienced a relapse due to a weakened immune system. This brings the current total to seven patients still admitted.
Most of the patients are male and have no significant travel history abroad, except one. Officials believe the virus spread mainly through skin-to-skin or sexual contact, which is difficult to trace, so these are assumed to be the most likely transmission routes.
Between January 1 and June 2, Davao City reported seven confirmed monkeypox cases. Out of 49 close contacts, 35 completed the 21-day monitoring period without symptoms, while 14 remain under observation.
Hospital Preparedness and Public Health Measures
SPMC is well-prepared for managing monkeypox cases, using protocols similar to those established for COVID-19. The hospital has designated isolation rooms with negative pressure systems, 19 beds, and staff trained to handle emerging infectious diseases.
Despite concerns, Dr. Audan urged calm, emphasizing that monkeypox is not airborne. He advised people to wear masks in crowded places as a precaution, though it is not mandatory.
He encouraged maintaining good hygiene, avoiding high-risk contacts, and seeking medical advice if symptoms such as rashes, fever, or swollen lymph nodes appear. Extra caution is especially necessary for those with weakened immune systems, including HIV-positive individuals.
Background on Monkeypox Cases and HIV Rise
Monkeypox first surfaced in the Philippines in July 2022 with four reported cases, all of whom recovered. The World Health Organization had declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern then but lifted the status in 2023. Since then, the country has reported additional cases, with all patients recovering.
In 2024, eighteen monkeypox cases were recorded nationwide, but none originated from Davao City. The first suspected case in Davao City was admitted to SPMC on April 10, 2025, and later confirmed positive. Initially, this case was not disclosed publicly to prevent panic, but cases have gradually increased since.
SPMC is one of the hospitals designated by the Department of Health (DOH) to handle monkeypox cases. For provinces lacking resources, proper referrals to SPMC are encouraged.
Rising HIV Cases Among Generation Z Raise Concern
Dr. Audan also highlighted the DOH’s alarm over rising HIV infections, especially among Generation Z (those born between 2001 and 2020). Davao City ranks first in HIV cases within the region, followed by Davao del Norte. Although the city is not among the top five nationwide, the rapid increase demands urgent attention.
The DOH is considering declaring a national public health emergency due to the steep rise in HIV cases. Currently, the country has 148,831 active HIV cases. DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that HIV infections surged by 500 percent, with an average of 57 new cases daily from January to March 2025.
According to Audan, HIV remains a greater threat than monkeypox. The Philippines has the highest number of new HIV cases in the Western Pacific Region, with the youngest diagnosed patient a 12-year-old child from Palawan.
For more news and updates on monkeypox cases among HIV patients, visit Filipinokami.com.