The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Lanao del Sur has confirmed that a patient suspected to have monkeypox (mpox) is admitted at a hospital in Marawi City.

Because of this, the province was placed on code white alert and reactivated its disease surveillance units.

IPHO chief, Dr. Alinader Minalang, said the contact tracing with the seven people who may have direct contact with the patient in Malabang town has already started.

Authorities said it still a suspected case as samples have been submitted to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for confirmation.

Minalang explained that mpox is not a deadly disease but it can be transmitted rapidly by direct contact. Those with weak immune system are most vulnerable.

Authorities urged the public to practice the same vigilance during the COVID-19 pandemic.