SYDNEY, July 20 (NNN-PIN) – Papua New Guinea (PNG), recorded a 17th case of COVID-19, prompting concerns over a potential outbreak in the national capital of Port Moresby.
A 48-year-old woman, who passed away, following a battle with breast cancer, was confirmed to have tested positive for the virus, local media outlet, the Post Courier reported today.
According to official account, the woman is the first person in PNG to die after contracting the virus.
The Post Courier reported that the infection was detected during routine swabbing of patients, who had died after showing respiratory symptoms, at Port Moresby General Hospital.
Last Thursday, local health authorities revealed a cluster of five positive cases, who were staff members at the Central Public Health Laboratory. The facility is attached to the hospital and responsible for testing COVID-19 swabs.
Health experts continued to investigate whether the outbreak was the result of a breach in laboratory protocols or community transmission.
Rapid contact tracing was underway to identify those who had been in contact with the infected staff members and cancer patient.– NNN-PIN
