A 44-year-old man from Wuhan has passed away from coronavirus in the Philippines, making him the first coronavirus death outside China.
The patient was admitted to San Lazaro Hospital in Manila after arriving from China. He suffered from a cough, a sore throat, and fever.
However, his condition worsened rapidly and he developed pneumonia, according to ABC.
The health department said: “The patient was stable and showed signs of improvement, however his condition deteriorated within his last 24 hours resulting in his demise.”
His 38-year-old companion, a Chinese woman, was also quarantined after test results revealed that she contracted the deadly virus.
Dr. Rabi Abeyasinghe, WHO Philippines representative, confirmed the 44-year-old man became the first confirmed death outside of China.
He said: “However, we need to keep in mind that he came from Wuhan, China.”
According to Rappler, a local news outlet, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the man was “stable and showed signs of improvement.” However, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
“We are currently working with the Chinese embassy to ensure the dignified management of the remains according to national and international standards to contain the disease,” Mr. Duque said, adding that the Chinese man would be cremated.
The 44-year-old’s death was confirmed after the Philippines announced that it would halt the arrivals of foreigners from China.
Over 300 people have passed away from coronavirus so far, and more than 14,000 have contracted the infection.
Australia, the US, and other countries have barred the arrival of foreigners from China and are requiring their citizens to be quarantined.
Other countries including Italy, Japan, Singapore, Pakistan, Russia and New Zealand have also announced travel restrictions.
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Replaced!