Philippines MERS Virus News Update: Foreigner Tests Positive

After the first episode of a Filipino nurse in February, the Philippines has confirmed a second case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in a foreign national who came from the Middle East.

Business World Online reports that Janet Garin, Health Secretary of the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH), announced Monday that a 36-year-old male patient has been placed in confinement to block off the virus after the patient showed signs of the deadly disease.

Garin explains that the patient is recuperating rapidly as he only had a "low viral load," making the infection not as serious. The patient, whose nationality has not been disclosed, has flown to the country from Dubai and has gotten sick last July 2.

Garin also appealed to the public not to panic as no cases of MERS infection transmitted through physical contact have been reported in the country. She assures that the DOH is doing its best to verify the condition of people who might have came in close contact with the patient.

Business Standard adds that since the outbreak of MERS in South Korea last May, several Asian countries have been tapped to remain wary for cases of the flu-like virus. According to reports, 186 people have tested positive for MERS in South Korea, of which 33 have died, while 907 have been placed under observation.

Besides South Korea and the Philippines, China, Malaysia and Thailand have also reported cases of MERS. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now tallied a total of 1,365 cases worldwide, of which 487 have resulted to death.

But what is MERS exactly and how lethal is the said disease?

According to The Independent, MERS reportedly originated from camels, before it was passed to people. There is no known cure or vaccine to prevent MERS from happening. Symptoms vary from flu-like to gastrointestinal problems, which may lead to pneumonia and lung failure in severe cases.

The virus is unlikely to be passed from person to person. Health professionals who came in close contact with infected persons reported that in several cases, the disease is transmitted through water droplets released by patients when they sneeze or cough.

When compared to other outbreaks, MERS appears to be more lethal than SARS but not as deadly as Ebola. WHO recommends strict application of proper hygiene, especially after a close encounter with animals. As of today, no travel restrictions have been imposed to affected countries and the outbreak is not yet considered as a global crisis.