MANILA, Philippines — The 67-year-old Filipina who died on Wednesday, the same day she tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), had hypertension and diabetes mellitus prior to contracting the virus, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Thursday. She is also the first Filipino fatality due to COVID-19. “Our recent mortality has underlying medical conditions, making the patient extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. The woman’s husband, a 72-year-old Filipino man who also tested positive for the virus, is admitted at the same Manila hospital as PH34. “We further urge those who are immunocompromised and are with existing health conditions to be more vigilant and avoid crowded areas and mass gatherings,” said Duque.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 12, 2020 10:30 UTC