FALSE.
A Facebook photo of a person with blisters claims to be a monkeypox (mpox) case in Iloilo City, Philippines.
FACT:
The photo is of Brazilian singer Gutto Xibatada, who passed away on April 22, 2025, from mpox complications. The case is from Brazil, not Iloilo City
According to the City Health Office, Iloilo City has reported one confirmed and four suspected mpox cases as of May 27, 2025. All patients are currently isolated and under medical care. Contact tracing efforts are ongoing, with no signs of community transmission so far.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has urged the public to remain calm, follow health protocols, and avoid spreading unverified information. He emphasized that misinformation can lead to panic and hinder public health responses.
Health authorities are reminding the public that misleading posts—especially those using graphic images out of context—fuel unnecessary fear and disrupt accurate crisis communication.
