Rep. Albee Benitez released this statement regarding monkeypox in Bacolod
Bacolod City Mayor and incoming Bacolod Lone District Representative Albee Benitez confirmed that the city recorded its first Mpox (monkeypox) case.
There have been reported cases of Mpox in different cities in the Philippines. Last month, it was reported that Iloilo had its first mpox case. Five patients were monitored and it included one who was confirmed to have the infection.
Less than a month later, Iloilo’s neighbor city recorded its first mpox case. Based on the report from Manila Bulletin, the City Health Office (CHO) confirmed the first case on Sunday, June 15.
Mayor Albee Benitez released a statement about this matter concerning the health of a Bacolodnon. He said that the patient is stable and is properly monitored.
The patient is currently in isolation and is receiving appropriate medical care. Mayor Albee also stressed that the city has started conducting contact tracing to avoid the spread of the disease.
The Mayor also said that the CHO is closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH), Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), as well as all agencies that are concerned to make sure that this matter is being addressed swiftly and effectively.
“I want to assure everyone that the city government has long prepared for situations like this. Mpox is a manageable disease, and with proper health protocols, we can prevent further spread. Let us be guided by facts, not fear,” Mayor Albee Benitez said.
The public is reminded that the stigma and discrimination against patients and their families must be avoided. The city government also urged the community to show compassion and support.
Mayor Albee encouraged the public to avoid spreading unverified information because this may cause unnecessary worry.
“Rest assured, your city government is taking all necessary steps to protect your health and safety. We have overcome challenges before and with unity and vigilance, we will do so again,” the businessman-politician said.
Mayor Albee Benitez also emphasized the urgency to have stricter border controls at entry points, such as installing scanners at Bredco Port and Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental as a response to the increasing number of patients in Iloilo City.