By Malu Cadelina Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY – The Department of Health (DoH) in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) has recorded a patient-under-investigation (PUI) for novel coronavirus, as of 12 noon of February 8, an official said.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Arjohn Gangoso, health education and promotion officer for DOH-12, said the PUI is in strict isolation and medical management in one of the hospitals in the region.
He said health personnel had already taken specimen from the PUI which was sent immediately to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Metro Manila for confirmatory testing.
Initially, he claimed the PUI had history of travel in a country outside the Philippines that has confirmed cases of nCov. Also, the PUI had manifested flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and sore throat.
He stressed, though, that while waiting for results from the RITM, strict control measures is being implemented by their regional health department.
In order not to sow panic, Gangoso said the DOH-12 will not disclose the location of the hospital where the PUI was confined.
He urged the public that instead of panicking, they must practice frequent hand washing; proper cough etiquette by maintaining distance and covering nose and mouth while sneezing; avoid close contract with people showing flu-like symptoms; limit going to public places; and ensure that food is cooked properly.
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