Philippines confirms one MERS-CoV case

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines confirmed today one case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV), involving a pregnant nurse coming back from Saudi Arabia days ago.

All known contacts with nurse are clear of infection, Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy of the country's Department of Health said at a press briefing, referring to report that three other persons were earlier considered as "patients under investigation."

"So as of this moment, we only have one case, which is closely monitored, our index case - the Filipina nurse who tested positive with Mers-CoV," he said.

The nurse had earlier passed through the thermal scanner at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport undetected on arrival from Saudi Arabia.

However, according to the spokesman, such measures are not entirely foolproof as the virus has an incubation period of 14 days.

Dr. Lee Suy also advised that travelers coming home from a MERS- CoV affected country should immediately go to a health facility if they develop any flu-like symptoms.