‘WUHAN VIRUS-FREE’: 3 kids from China discharged from Aklan hospital, 11 others under monitoring

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

Three Chinese kids were discharged from Rafael Tumbokon Memorial Provincial Hospital in Aklan after being cleared of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 n-Cov).

This was confirmed by Dr. Cornelio Cuachon Jr., chief of Aklan Provincial Health Office (PHO), Tuesday.

“The three Chinese children were already discharged just before lunch. One was a six-year-old male from Wuhan, China who was admitted last Thursday; and six and eight-year-old siblings from Shanghai, China who were admitted on Sunday,” he said.

Cuachon said the three Chinese children were the last patients in the Aklan hospital that were monitored for the 2019 n-Cov, which was believed to have originated in Wuhan City in China.

“Wala na kita patient as of this time in the hospital,” he said.

The children, together with their guardians, are currently looking for flights back to China.

Meanwhile, 11 Chinese nationals are also currently being monitored for 2019 n-Cov according to Cuachon.

“All of them are not exhibiting any signs and symptoms of fever and cough. We are currently monitoring them as four of them have a history of contact with a patient who tested positive in Hong Kong,” he said.

Dr. Marilyn Convocar, Regional Director of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Western Visayas, said the region remains free from 2019-nCov.

As of January 22, 2020, DOH-CHD-6 raised the code white alert in Western Visayas following unconfirmed reports of 2019-nCov.

Regional epidemiologist Dr. Glen Alosabe said several persons from the region who traveled to China were also examined for possible 2019-nCov.

“May gin-examine, walk-ins, and referrals, iban sa ila may travel sa China nga nag-seek consultation. We have to undertake these as part of our procedures,” he said.

Meanwhile, DOH-CHD once again reiterated its call for the public to practice self-protection measures following the 2019-nCov outbreak in China.

The health department urged the public to do frequent hand washing with soap and water and observe proper cough etiquette.

“Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. It also important to avoid close contact with people showing cold or flu-like symptoms and those with unprotected contact with farm or wild animals,” DOH-CHD 6 said.

DOH-CHD 6 also advised travelers with symptoms of respiratory illness, either during or after travel to seek medical attention immediately.