Remains of first 2019-nCoV patient who died in Philippines to be cremated-DOH

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Monday the remains of the male Chinese tourist, who tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) and died in the Philippines, will be cremated.

“Mayroon tayong tinatawag na burial saka ‘yung pangangasiwa ng pumanaw at ng katawan nito… at sa pinakahuling ulat sa akin, ike-cremate,” Duque said in an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita.

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(We have what is called the burial and then the administration of the deceased and its body and in the most recent report, he will be cremated.)

He clarified the 2019-nCoV is no longer transmissible from the dead carrier’s body.

Duque said in a separate interview that he has no confirmation yet if the cremated remains would be brought back to China.

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He said that the DOH is already coordinating with the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

Also read: Officials check if first 2019 n-CoV patient in PH roamed in Cebu

Remains of first 2019-nCoV patient who died in Philippines to be cremated-DOH

Duque explained why the 44-year-old patient had a sudden death despite being stable when he was admitted to the hospital.

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“Sudden downturn dahil hindi lang nCoV ang meron ang pasyenteng ito. Meron din siyang Streptococcus pneumoniae—ito ‘yung isa sa pinakakaraniwang sanhi ng pneumonia. Meron ding siyang influenza virus. Mayroon siyang co-infection,” he said.

(It is a sudden downturn because this patient does not only have nCoV. He also has Streptococcus pneumoniae — this is one of the most common causes of pneumonia. There is also an influenza virus. He had a co-infection.)

“Ito ay imported case. Hindi ito community-transmitted novel coronavirus,” he added.

(This is an imported case. This is not a community-transmitted novel coronavirus.)

The Chinese national died on Saturday and was recorded the first 2019-nCoV ARD death outside China.

The deceased’s partner, a 38-year-old woman, was the country’s first confirmed case of the virus. She is still at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila and in good condition, said Duque.

The woman will not be released from the hospital until she tests negative for the 2019-nCoV ARD virus.