ILOILO City – Seven more persons under investigation (PUI) for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Western Visayas tested negative, bringing to 36 the total number of cleared PUIs in the region.
As of Feb. 18, the region had one PUI left, according to Dr. Mary Jane Roches Juanico, head of the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6’s Infectious Disease Section.
This person from Capiz province is confined in a hospital, Juanico added.
But despite the drop in PUIs, Western Visayans should continue observing precautionary measures against respiratory infections, said Dr. Marlyn Convocar, DOH-6 director.
Cleanliness and personal hygiene are vital to containing the spread of diseases and protecting the whole community, she stressed.
“Dapat vigilant man gihapon kita, especially those that naghalalin sa iban nga countries. Kinahanglan magkadto gid sa health centers para ma-evaluate,” said Convocar.
The COVID-2019 infection seems to start with a fever, followed by a dry cough and then, after a week, leads to shortness of breath.
But in more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
DOH-6 stressed the importance of frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol.
For its part, the World Health Organization (WHO) further suggested the following:
* Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing – ideally with a tissue – and wash the hands afterwards, to prevent the virus spreading
* Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth – if the hands touch a surface contaminated by the virus, this could transfer it into the body
* Don’t get too close to people coughing, sneezing or with a fever – they can propel small droplets containing the virus into the air – ideally, keep one meter (three feet) away
DOH-6 advised the public to avoid attending, participating in and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees. It also recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice.
On Monday, Feb. 17, Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City announced that no big crowd-drawing events will be held in this city this month and in March as a precautionary measure against the possible spread of COVID-19.
“I hope the people would understand,” said Treñas.
The COVID-19 virus incubation period – between infection and showing any symptoms – lasts up to 14 days, according to WHO.
But some researchers say it may be as long as 24 days.
Chinese scientists say some people may be infectious even before their symptoms appear.
Right now, treatment relies on the basics – keeping the patient’s body going, including breathing support, until their immune system can fight off the virus.
However, the work to develop a vaccine is under way and it is hoped there will be human trials before the end of the year./PN
