DOH: 22 under watch for possible MERS-CoV

CEBU, Philippines -  Department of Health officials in Central Visayas yesterday reported an increase in the number of individuals under observation for possible infection of the dreaded Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus.

Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit chief Renan Cimafranca said that as of 10 a.m. yesterday, the number rose to 22 from the 17 reported on Monday.

"We have twenty-two persons under observation for possible MERS-CoV. We are still looking for one person that we have not been able to contact for testing in coordination with the Philippine National Police," Cimafranca said.

Of the 22, two are currently quarantined in Bohol, two in Negros Oriental, and 10 in Cebu. One is yet to be located and another opted to be isolated in a private hospital in Cebu.            Dr. Gerardo Aquino, medical director of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, said four individuals from Middle East voluntarily submitted themselves to MERS-CoV testing.

 Two of the additional four were listed on the manifest of the monitored Etihad Airlines fight EY424 from Abu Dhabi while the other two were in another flight from the Middle East.

The Etihad Airlines flight had an overseas Filipino worker reportedly tested positive in the country of origin but tested negative in the Philippines.

"The two voluntary patients now under observation were not part of the monitored flight from Abu Dhabi. They had travel history in Middle East so they opted to have themselves checked just to be sure," Aquino explained.

Health officials said that people who have recently travelled to Middle East may voluntarily approach local health offices for free MERS-Cov checkup, testing and isolation if necessary.

According to health officials, MERS-CoV testing is for free as well as confinement at the DOH-run VSMMC.

Aquino ordered for the opening of an unused wing of the VSMMC which has 10 bedrooms to be used as additional isolation area should patients under observation could no longer be accommodated at the six negative pressure rooms.

The Bureau of Quarantine yesterday inspected four flights for possible MERS-CoV afflicted passengers.

"They passed through thermal scanners, made to fill up health checklist, and given health notices. Everything was okay so far. We have five medical officers on duty at the airport with five nurses and ten spraying personnel. Yesterday we checked one vessel from Singapore and it tested negative," said quarantine chief, Dr. Terence Bermejo.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is calling on the public to be vigilant against the viral infection.

"Hopefully di na mokatag. Katong uban nga ilang gi-quarantine, katong ilang gipangita pa negative sila. Kinahanglan bantayan nato ni. Hopefully di moabot sa Cebu," he added.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has promised to help health officials in whatever way the city government can to address the threat.

"We should be with utmost circumspection. The matter belongs to the DOH-7. The city of Cebu is on standstill but ready to be of assistance," Rama said. (FREEMAN)