DAVAO CITY –– At least three patients under investigation (PUIs) have died in the Davao region but they could not be confirmed for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) because their test results have yet to arrive, health officials said.

Dr. Annabelle Yumang, Department of Health regional director, confirmed that three PUIs have died in the region, but they could not yet be confirmed for COVID-19.

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Among the three PUIs was a 78-year-old man who had a recent trip to Australia, and who arrived here on February 17, Yumang said.

He developed symptoms on March 14. But he had pre-existing bladder cancer, which was already on stage four. He died of urine sepsis secondary to urinary tract infection.

The second patient was a 71-year-old, who had traveled to Laguna and Manila and arrived here on March 9. He developed symptoms of gastric pain with shortness of breath.

The third was a Korean who had a travel history to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Manila before he arrived here on March 9. He developed a fever on March 12.

Yumang said they could not yet confirm the three PUIs for COVID-19 because their test results had yet to arrive from the RITM in Muntinlupa.

Under existing health protocols, only the Health Secretary could confirm the infection, she added.

Edited by LZB

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For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

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