(UPDATE) OFW suspected to have bird flu dies

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) died recently allegedly due to avian flu or bird flu, a senior government official said today.

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Garin said that a male Filipino from China died on Feb. 14 after manifesting symptoms of avian flu, which was initially suspected to be Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

The OFW, who was not identified, worked in China for six years before returning to the Philippines on Feb. 9, she said, adding that the Filipino victim had a history of being exposed to live poultry.

"This patient was initially referred to as a possible case of MERS. However, upon review of his case profile, avian flu was a more proximate consideration," Garin said.

She said that experts from China's Hong Kong closely monitored and guided the experts in the country in handling the case of the OFW.

"Initial result revealed pulmonary findings but inconclusive. The body was cremated hence this case has been declared 'closed', " she said.

"If indeed this patient contracted bird flu, his death has ended other possibility of transmission," the DOH chief added as she assured that the public has nothing to worry about.