Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Tuesday (October 6) that it had found all those who had close contact with the 63-year old Saudi Arabain believed to have died of MERS in the country.
The number totaled to 101 people.
Out of the number, Health Secretary Janette Garin said 15 were hospitalized after showing symptoms, while five who showed prominent symptoms were placed under close watch. The rest were advised to undergo home quarantine.
Earlier, the DOH tracked down 74 people who were exposed to the foreigner, including 55 hospital workers, 16 hotel workers, and three funeral parlor workers.
Around 12 health workers who took care of the patient showed symptoms last Friday night (October 2) and were confined at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and the San Lazaro Hospital for further observation and quarantine.
Although the country is not yet free of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the DOH assured the public that it is in control of the situation.
Patient had heart attack
The patient died last September 29 at the RITM in Muntinlupa City. But the DOH still couldn’t confirm if the death was due to MERS as the patient had a history of stroke and had a minor heart attack before he died.
Related: DOH confirms suspected MERS-CoV patient’s death
According to Dr. Lyndon Lee-Suy, DOH spokesperson, signs of MERS-CoV infection were found in the patient after his death.
“Not that we’re denying na hindi siya [MERS],” Lee-Suy said. “But then wala pang sapat na basehan kung ano talaga ang kaso ng namatay.
“Without confirming if MERS-CoV or not, can we consider him? Walang basehan pa. We’re trying to work it out.”
Garin said that only after 14 days of quarantine would the DOH know if the patients were negative of the infection. The incubation period ends on October 13 or 14.
Related: MERS-CoV: What you should know
