Ilonggo OFW becomes presumptive COVID-19 case

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Iloilo City is a presumptive positive case of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Holy Thursday, April 9, 2020.

The OFW, who showed symptoms, was positive for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) after being tested at the Jubilee Hall, according to the city’s COVID-19 point person, Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna.

IgG and IgM are antibodies released by the body when it detects infection by bacteria and viruses.

Based on the algorithm in the guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH), those who test positive for IgG and IgM and show symptoms will become “presumed COVID-19 case.”

Those who are positive for both antibodies but show no symptoms will be considered recovered.

Two OFWs also tested positive for the IgG antibody but have showed no symptoms. Dr. Fortuna said that based on the DOH algorithm, they can be considered recovered cases.

Dr. Fortuna added that the results will be further validated with another Reverse Transition-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test.

The three patients are part of 47 ship passengers and 41 crewmembers who arrived in Iloilo from Cebu Thursday.

Out of the 47 passengers, 24 were from Iloilo City, who were immediately taken to the Jubilee Hall for testing and quarantine.

The vessel was disinfected and the crew are under quarantine.