Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The 36-year-old male foreigner who tested positive for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) last weekend is now free of the virus after yielding two negative results, the Department of Health (DOH) announced Friday (July 10). His was the second case of the disease in the country.
The patient was referred to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) last Saturday at 11:30 a.m. (July 4). The test results released at 5:00 p.m. during that same day showed that the patient had a low viral load of MERS-CoV.
Related: DOH confirms MERS-CoV case in PH
The DOH said that the patient will be discharged over the weekend. However, a 32-year-old female who had close contact with the foreigner will remain at the hospital to complete a 14-day quarantine period.
The department added that 112 contacts who were possibly exposed to the foreigner have already been traced. They are being monitored by the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit until a 14-day observation period ends.
In a statement, DOH Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin reiterated that Filipinos who have recently returned from countries with MERS-CoV cases should report to the nearest should they experience like flu, fever with cough, cold, sneezing, or even diarrhea. She also stressed the importance of filling-out the health declaration checklist completely and with utmost honesty.
“Kaya nating panatilihing ligtas ang ating bansa kung lahat tayo gagampanan ang ating papel. Sama-sama nating sugpuin ang MERS-CoV”.
[Translation: “We can keep our country safe if we all do our part. Together, we can beat MERS-CoV.”]
The DOH has released the following phone numbers for those seeking assistance and information on MERS-CoV:
(02) 711-1001
(02)711-1002
0922-884-1564
0920-949-8419
0915-772-5621
‘ ’14’:
