MANILA -- The Department of Health in Central Visayas confirmed that the number of mpox cases in the region this year has reached six.

Out of the number, three are from Cebu City, one from Talisay City, one from Mandaue City, and another from Lapulapu City. 

Talisay City logged one mpox-related death, said DOH Region 7 Director Joshua Brillantes.

Face masks ineffective vs mpox; avoid kissing, hugging - DOH

All the other cases, who are mostly male between 20 to 40 years old, have already fully recovered. They all have no travel history.

Health authorities are monitoring five suspected mpox cases from Cebu City and are awaiting confirmatory tests, added Brillantes. 

He urged the public to go to their health center if they experience mpox-like rashes.

CEBU CITY FORMS TASK FORCE VS MPOX

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia signed Monday an executive order creating an inter-agency task force against mpox, which will oversee the mpox monitoring in the city.

The order is also aimed at enforcing "proactive measures" against the transmission of mpox, Garcia said.

An mpox emergency plan will also be created if the situation escalates.

Cebu City initially monitored 25 suspected mpox cases.

Face masks are ineffective against mpox, the Department of Health said Monday, but avoiding kissing and hugging will prevent infection.

On Saturday, the DOH denied false information that lockdowns have been imposed due to mpox.

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