4 of 6 Negrenses tested negative for MERS-CoV

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - — Four of the six Negrense overseas Filipino workers were tested negative after they were quarantined for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome corona virus at the government hospitals this city and Negros Occidental.

Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang said that four of the patients had already been released and returned to their families after they were tested negative from the viral infection while they await for the results of the other two Negrenses from Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Manila. 

He said that the families were briefed about MERS-CoV. "We advised them to stay at home, so it would be easier for us to track them down if ever one of the patients were found positive." He said that their priority is contact raising especially that these OFWs had immediate contact with their families. He explained that MERS-CoV is a communicable disease that can be passed on to others through exposure or close contact with a positive carrier.

He also added that the patients were very cooperative since they know about the hazards.

He said that these Negrenses were on the same flight as that of the index passenger from United Arab Emirates, who was initially tested positive for MERS-CoV infection, and had arrived in the country on April 15.

Tumimbang said that four of the six patients are from Bacolod City, while the other two are from Talisay City and Toboso town, also in Negros Occidental.

Tumimbang stressed that there's no need to cause alarm for the public since this is only a precautionary measure of the Department of Health.

He reminded everyone to observe proper hygiene and handwashing. /JMD (FREEMAN)