DOH clarifies no nationwide lockdown due to Mpox

Local

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, May 31, denied social media claims that a nationwide lockdown would be enforced due to increasing monkeypox (Mpox) cases, clarifying that it has not issued such a directive.

“Walang lockdown kahit saan man sa Pilipinas. Fake news iyan,” the DOH stated, warning the public against believing posts falsely using its logo or misrepresenting its advisories.

The health department emphasized that no lockdown is necessary because Mpox does not spread through airborne transmission.

“There is no need for a lockdown. Mpox is not airborne,” it said.

DOH officials explained that the recent spike in Mpox-related headlines stemmed from the active announcements of local government units (LGUs), not from an actual outbreak.

“Mas marami pang Mpox nung 2024. Mas marami ring naitala nung Abril kaysa ngayong Mayo 2025. Nagkataon lamang na nagheheadline dahil aktibo at nag-aanunsyo na ngayon ang mga LGU,” the department said.

The DOH confirmed that only Clade II of the Mpox virus has been detected in the country.

Officials also advised the public to avoid fake Facebook posts that use deceptive marketing, fabricated expert endorsements, and misleading health statements.

“The DOH is reminding everyone not to believe the circulating fake Facebook posts with deceptive marketing strategies, fake endorsements from experts and false statements about health,” the agency added.

The department reported the matter to the Department of Information and Communications Technology and requested action against the source of the misinformation.

It also asked social media platforms to remove posts falsely claiming there would be a lockdown due to Mpox.

Meanwhile, in Cebu, health authorities confirmed one Mpox case in Talisay City and are investigating two suspected cases in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities.

Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas said a resident tested positive for Mpox but clarified the patient died due to another illness. He stressed that the disease was not the cause of death and assured residents there was no need for alarm.

In Mandaue City, health workers isolated a 39-year-old man with persistent skin lesions and placed his family under quarantine. The City Health Office submitted his specimen to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and is awaiting confirmatory results within 48 to 72 hours.

Dr. Debra Catulong of the Mandaue City Health Office said the patient did not have recent travel history and that contact tracing was ongoing. She urged residents to isolate immediately if symptoms appear and to consult a doctor without delay.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Dr. Agnes Realiza confirmed that a 27-year-old man with fever, rashes, and muscle pain is under home isolation while awaiting test results.

Three previous suspected cases from last year in the city had all tested negative.

Health experts reiterated that Mpox spreads through close physical contact and contaminated surfaces.

They encouraged the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid crowded areas, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like rashes or fever develop.(MyTVCebu)