Bohol province has been declared free from mpox after all suspected cases tested negative, the provincial health officer said.
Dr. Tomas Cezar Lopez confirmed the results during a recent meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
The suspected cases, two patients from Tagbilaran and Getafe, underwent testing at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and were found to be negative for the virus.
Lopez attributed the negative results to the swift response of health authorities in identifying and isolating suspected cases.
Mpox, a viral disease that can be spread through intimate contact, can be prevented through proper hygiene and isolation of suspected patients, Lopez said.
Symptoms of mpox include painful boils, fever, and other classic signs of infection. The disease is self-limiting and not fatal if managed well, he added.
To prevent the spread of mpox, Lopez advised the public to wash their hands regularly and avoid sharing personal items with suspected patients.
The negative test results bring relief to the province, which had been on high alert after the suspected cases were reported.
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