Manila, June 16 -- Health authorities advised residents here to remain calm and avoid discrimination against mpox patients after this highly urbanized city recorded the first case of the viral illness on Sunday.

In a public advisory, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), the Department of Health apex hospital in Negros Island Region, said the confirmed case is under their care after the City Health Office (CHO) referred the patient on June 13.

"The patient is stable and receiving appropriate care in isolation. All necessary infection control measures have been implemented by public health guidelines," it added.

Mpox, caused by the by the monkeypox virus, usually starts with flu-like symptoms, including fever, ...