Baguio City: The City Health Office here denied on Monday reports of a first mpox death. In a press statement, City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes clarified that the individual who succumbed to the disease was not a resident of Baguio City, although he was laid to rest in the city due to familial ties.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Brillantes stated that the deceased, a 32-year-old male, had been infected with the Clade II variant of the mpox virus. The man had not been living in Baguio City during the time he contracted the virus and subsequently passed away. He contracted the virus while working in Manila, where he was hospitalized and ultimately died.

Dr. Brillantes emphasized that, based on surveillance protocols, the case cannot be registered as a Baguio City incident. She further noted that the fatality had no connection to the city’s first reported mpox case. This case involved a 28-year-old male who was also infected with the Clade II type of the virus and has since recovered.

On Sunday, Baguio City’s Public Information Office confirmed that the 28-year-old male was the city’s first mpox case. His only direct contact is currently in isolation, Brillantes informed the Philippine News Agency on Monday, underscoring the measures being taken to prevent further transmission of the virus.