3 Koreans at RITM have no Mers—DOH

This file photo provided by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases shows a colorized transmission of the Mers coronavirus that emerged in 2012. The Philippines Department of Health has cleared three South Koreans confined in a hospital in Metro Manila of Mers infection. AP

The three Koreans confined at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for showing symptoms of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) has tested negative for the dreaded disease.

Department of Health spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy said on Tuesday that the Koreans yielded negative results after a series of laboratory examinations at the RITM.

“Lumabas na ang resulta this morning and it turned out na negative naman sila,” (The results came out this morning and it turned out that they are negative) Suy told Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

He added, “Baka may trangkaso sila. Ang importante nung tinest natin for MERS-COV lumitaw na negatibo sila.” (They may have flu. What’s important is tests show they are negative for Mers-Cov.)

Suy, however, said the three would remain at the RITM while undergoing medication for flu.

READ: 3 Koreans quarantined at RITM due to suspected MERS-CoV infection

With this development, the health official said the Philippines remains Mers free.

He advised the public, especially overseas Filipino workers returning to the country, to consult a doctor once they experience symptoms of Mers.