The Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday they are currently investigating the case of a five-year-old child suspected to be infected of SARS-like disease which originated from China.
Initial reports said that the child traveled to the Philippines from Wuhan.
The child was admitted in Cebu City for manifesting fever, throat irritation, and cough prior to entering the Philippines, DOH said in a statement.
Health authorities said the patient tested negative to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
However, the child tested positive for unspecified pancoronavirus prompting the authorities to send the specimen to Australia to identify the specific coronavirus strain.
Meanwhile, the DOH is also monitoring the three tourists who have flu-like symptoms who entered the country through Kalibo airport in Aklan province from China.
Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said DOH is working to enhance its coronavirus laboratory testing capacity
“I encourage the health workers to be vigilant and take extra precautionary measures when in contact with patients with acute respiratory infection, especially those with travel history to China,” Duque said.
DOH told the public to practice frequent handwashing, avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals, avoid close contact with people showing cold or flu-like symptoms, and ensure that food is well-cooked.
“I urge travelers with symptoms of respiratory illness, either during or after travel, to seek medical attention immediately. I also call on our health facilities to enhance standard infection prevention and control practices, especially in our emergency departments. We must always be ready,” Duque concluded.
