Foreigner with MERS in Philippines Now Free of the Virus

Officials say a foreigner who tested positive for MERS after arriving in the Philippines from the Middle East is now free of the virus and will leave the hospital this weekend.

Department of Health spokesman Lyndon Lee Suy said Friday the foreigner's close contact, a Filipino woman, is also well but will remain hospitalized until she completes a 14-day quarantine period on July 18.

He said passengers seated near the foreigner on his flight were traced and none manifested any symptoms. They are among 112 contacts who were traced and are being monitored daily by health authorities until they complete the 14-day period.

World Health Organization representative Julie Hall said the foreigner is no longer infectious.