MANDALUYONG CITY — Classes temporarily shifted online at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong (LSM) on Tuesday, June 30, after the Mandaluyong City Health Office confirmed a new case of Monkeypox (Mpox) within the locality.

In an official advisory released Monday afternoon, the school said the decision was made "as a precautionary measure and in support of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit's ongoing efforts to monitor Monkeypox (Mpox) cases in Mandaluyong City."

Under the temporary learning arrangements, the Grade School Department conducted online asynchronous classes, with learning materials posted on Schoology. Meanwhile, the High School Department held online synchronous subject orientations and classes, with further instructions communicated through email.

"The school administration will continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue further advisories as needed," the advisory stated.

The announcement came after the Mandaluyong City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) confirmed a case of Mpox within the city and immediately initiated public health measures, including case investigation, contact tracing, risk assessment, and monitoring of identified close contacts.

According to city health officials, the patient first developed symptoms on June 21 and later experienced fever before seeking medical care at a private hospital in Mandaluyong. The case was subsequently reported to CESU, which coordinated the patient's safe transfer and isolation. Laboratory testing later confirmed the Mpox infection on June 25.

In a public advisory, CESU assured residents that it remains committed to continuous disease surveillance, timely public health response, and transparent communication.

The agency also urged the public to respect the privacy of the patient and refrain from spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary fear or confusion.

Although the city has not disclosed the patient's exact location, residents of Avida Centera Tower 4 have circulated claims that the condominium administration released a memorandum regarding the confirmed infection. City health officials, however, have not officially identified any specific residential building connected to the case.

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, fatigue, and a distinctive skin rash that may progress through different stages before healing. The virus spreads primarily through prolonged close physical contact with an infected person, direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids, contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding, and, in some cases, prolonged face-to-face exposure through respiratory secretions. It is not generally considered an airborne disease.

Health authorities advise the public to practice frequent hand hygiene, avoid close physical contact with individuals exhibiting unexplained rashes or lesions, refrain from sharing personal items such as towels and clothing, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.

For educational institutions, Department of Education Order No. 14, s. 2026 allows schools to adjust learning modalities or suspend classes when necessary to safeguard the health and welfare of learners and school personnel.

While health officials continue to manage the confirmed case, both CESU and LSM emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, following public health guidance, and relying only on verified information released through official channels