Philippine government intensifies efforts to prevent spread of MERS-CoV

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government is intensifying efforts to prevent the spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) disease following the first reported case in the country.

According to the Department of Health (DoH), the Filipina nurse who tested positive for the MERS-CoV remains in stable condition.

The 32-year-old woman turned out to be four to five weeks pregnant, and doctors at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) are doing their best to keep both the mother and the baby safe, said DoH Acting Secretary Janette Garin.

Based on the latest update from DoH, there are already 10 individuals who have been admitted to RITM, including six people who had contact with the Filipina nurse during her confinement at a private hospital. The laboratory results of the 10 individuals are expected to be released by 10 p.m. today.

Some 63 out of the 224 passengers of the Saudi Airlines FlightSV860, which carried the MERS-CoV patient, have been contacted by DoH. Contact tracing is still on-going to locate the remaining passengers.

The Philippine government urges the public to remain vigilant and follow the health advisories of the DoH on the disease.