DOH replaces PUI and PUM classification of COVID-19 cases
The Department of Health (DOH) introduced on April 11 the new classification of individuals with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19.
In Administrative Order No. 2020-0013, the DOH stated that the initial classification such as Patients Under Investigation (PUI) and Persons Under Monitoring (PUM) will now be replaced with Suspect, Probable, and Confirmed.
What is the difference between PUI and PUM?
“The new classification aims to have uniformed reporting to better focus our steps on fighting the COVID-19,” the health department said in a Facebook post.
Photo by Department of Health
A person can be included under the classification of a Suspect Case if he or she:
A. Has an influenza-like illness (≥38°C fever, cough, sore throat)
B. Has a fever, cough, or breathing difficulties
C. Has suddenly acquired a lung disease with severe symptoms that requires hospitalization
Furthermore, an individual can also be declared as a COVID-19 Suspect if he or she:
- Has traveled or lived in a place where local transmission of COVID-19 has been reported within 14 days before the symptoms started to show.
- Had a close contact with a Confirmed or Probable Case of COVID-19 within 14 days before the symptoms started to show.
- Is 60 years old and older
- Has a high-risk pregnancy
- Has pre-existing health diseases
- Is a health worker
A person can be included under the classification of a Probable Case if he or she is already a Suspect patient. Additionally, an individual can also be declared as such if the testing results are uncertain or the testing was done in an unofficial laboratory that conducts RT-PCR Test.
COVID-19 Testing: RT-PCR Test vs. Rapid Antibody-based Test
A person can be included under the classification of a Confirmed Case if he or she has tested positive with COVID-19 in the RT-PCR Test.
10 ways to manage your health at home if you have COVID-19
Learn more about the new classification of individuals for COVID-19 in this infographic by the DOH:
If you wish to be part of GMA's efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19, you may visit the Kapuso Foundation.
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