11 who had close contact with PH nurse showing Mers-CoV symptoms—DOH
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said 11 people who had close contact with the Filipina nurse who tested positive for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona virus (Mers-CoV) have shown symptoms of the deadly disease.
This undated file electron microscope image made available by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases – Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows novel corona virus particles, also known as the MERS virus, colorized in yellow. AP FILE PHOTO
DOH acting chief Janette Garin, in a televised press briefing, said 56 people who had close contact with the nurse had undergone a throat swab examination.
Garin said all the 56 yielded negative results, however, 11 people, including her husband, showed symptoms of the deadly disease.
The 11 people, she said, are now admitted at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for further observation and medication.
The DOH chief clarified that the 56 people identified were not part of the passengers of the Saudi Airlines flight 860.
She said 92 of the 220 passengers in the plane have been located and agreed to be tested.
She urged the rest to come forward and be tested as well.
On Wednesday, a Filipina nurse from Saudi Arabia tested positive for the deadly Mers.
The 32-year-old nurse arrived in the country on February 1 with her husband via a Saudi Airlines flight 860.
The DOH said the two are now at the RITM and are undergoing medication.
The Filipina nurse is now in stable condition but continues to receive medication and is closely being watched since she is pregnant. Garin said all ports of entry in the country are being closely watched.
She said that while Mers-CoV has a mortality rate of 30%, its human-to-human transmission is not easy, so there is no reason for the public to panic.
Garin urged the remaining passengers of the Saudi Airlines flight 860 to contact the DOH through hotlines 7111001 or 7111002.
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