DOH reports CAR remains 2019 Novel Corona virus-free

February 4, 2020 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 31, (PIA) — The Department of Health – Center for Health Development – Cordillera Administrative Region stressed that the region remains free of the 2019 Novel Corona virus (2019-nCoV).

DOH-CAR Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan said that as of January 31, the deadly disease has not reached the region.

In a press briefing, DOH – Infectious Disease Cluster Head Dr. Jennifer Joyce Pira clarified that there are no persons under investigation (PUI) for e nCoV in the region amidst the reports that came out in the social media.

DOH-CAR only monitored an individual who arrived from Guangzhou, China on January 19, 2020. The Chinese national has no any history of travel to Wuhan, China and without any known contact with a confirmed 2019 – nCoV case, Severe Acute Respiratory Illness case, or sick animals.

For precautionary measures, the Chinese national and his two roommates were placed under self quarantine in their dormitory in La Trinidad, Benguet. They have no signs or symptoms of respiratory illness or any other disease as reported by health workers assigned to monitor them.

Pangilinan said the DOHCAR already sent throat samples from individuals in quarantine to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for testing.

To prevent the entry of the 2019-nCoV in the Cordillera and elsewhere, the public is enjoined to practice preventive measures to help mitigate spread of respiratory infections.

The DOH issued the acronym WUHAN for Wash your hands regularly, Use facemask if necessary, Have your temperature checked regularly, Avoid crowded places and Never touch your eyes nose and mouth with dirty hands. which should be followed to ensure cleanliness and being healthy.

Corona viruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more serious infections caused by MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. Common signs of corona virus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

According to the World Health Organization, the 2019-nCoV can be transmitted through human-to- human transmission. This can be facilitated through coughing, sneezing, and handling infected respiratory secretions which could be aggravated during mass gathering and festivities.

DOH encourages all 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 Wuhan, China.

Further, all health facilities are encouraged to activate their Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases fast lanes, ensure availability of isolation rooms, and re-activate their referral system as part of their preparedness and response.

An intensified Influenza-like-illness surveillance is also encouraged to be observed by all health facilities. Meanwhile, the DOH calls on the public to be responsible, and refrain from sharing unverified information on the 2019-nCoV.

DOH is on top of the issue, and will regularly update the public through its official channels – https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDOHgov/ and https://www.doh.gov.ph/.

JDP/RMC- PIA CAR