DOH probes suspected nCoV case in Cebu

The Department of Health (DOH) is investigating a suspected case of 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in a five-year-old Chinese boy in Cebu City who arrived from Wuhan.

Samples from the boy, who exhibited fever, throat irritation, and cough, tested negative for MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV but positive for an unidentified pancoronavirus.

These samples have been sent to Australia for further testing to determine if the strain is identical to 2019-nCoV, with results expected within 24 hours.

The child is currently isolated in a hospital in Cebu City and is reported to be stable with ongoing cough.

Contact tracing for passengers on the flight with the child has been completed, and no symptoms were reported among them.

Additionally, throat samples from three other Chinese patients with flu-like symptoms in Kalibo have been sent for testing, and they are currently well.

The DOH and WHO are urging the public not to be anxious, to practice good hygiene, and to seek medical attention if experiencing respiratory symptoms, especially after traveling from Wuhan.

Health facilities are also advised to enhance infection prevention and control practices.