COVID-19 UK VARIANT IN MINDANAO

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – The first case of Covid-19 B117 UK variant was recorded in this province, reports reaching MDNN said.

Dr Anatalio Cagampang Jr, provincial health officer of this province confirmed to the media that an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Kuwait was the first victim in Mindanao.

The Department Of Health National Office is yet to confirm on this report.

Dr Cagampang, Jr identified the woman OFW as a returning OFW residing in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

She arrived at the Manila airport last February 4 and underwent a one week quarantine following the strict protocols imposed by the Interagency Task Force (IATF)

She also underwent a swab test on February 20, 2021 and she was confirmed positive of Covid-19 the following day. Since the woman came from other country, her positive result was also subjected to ‘genome sequencing. She had experienced fever, sore throat, and she also lost appetite and sense of smell, including a condition of ‘myalgia’ or breakdown of her energy. She was again subjected to a 10-day quarantine period.

After the OFW was cleared of infections, she went home to Zamboanga del Sur via Cagayan de Oro enroute an OWWA flight on March 3. She was then endorsed to the local authorities in Labangan town, her actual hometown, and she again underwent a strict quarantine protocol.

On March 15, 2021, her result came confirming the OFW from Kuwait positive of the B117 UK variant.

The family and close contacts of the victim also underwent surveillance and stricter quarantine period. The doctor explained that the procedures were only part of the thorough investigations to monitor the patient from the possibility of ‘delayed transmission’ of the virus to her immediate family. (JCE)   

Source: https://bit.ly/3s2bGUH