The Department of Health – Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH-CL CHD) today disproved the news that there were two suspected cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) admitted at the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center (AUFMC) in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Upon investigation, the DOH clarifies that the said patients can be categorized as sudden acute respiratory infection, without history of exposure from China. According to records, both patients have been staying in Angeles City and their last travel abroad was already four (4) months ago.
One patient was diagnosed as acute tonsillopharyngitis while the other as having systemic viral illness. They were treated as out-patients and at present, they are in stable condition.
The DOH reiterates that, to date, there is no confirmed case of 2019-nCoV in the Philippines. The department continuously calls on the public to be responsible, refrain from sharing unverified information on the 2019-nCoV health event and to access regular updates through its official channels: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDOHgov/ and DOH website .
The DOH has activated its emergency response and continues to strengthen national-level preparedness, heighten community surveillance, enhance case management and hospital readiness, and intensify information dissemination and community engagement. The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) also remains on alert and continues to work closely with airlines and airport authorities for stricter surveillance at all ports of entry.
The DOH recommends that the public should constantly practice proper coughing etiquette, proper hand hygiene, cook food thoroughly, especially meat and eggs, and avoid spitting in public.
