DOH steps up MERSCoV info campaign among OFWs in Saudi Arabia
InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA - The Department of Health (DOH) said it is important that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia are fully informed about MERSCoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus) to protect themselves.
According to DOH Acting Secretary Janette L. Garin, OFWs in Saudi Arabia will be given reminders and information on the steps to do including where to seek consultation once infected so that serious risks and further transmission will be prevented.
Garin said that awareness about MERS-CoV, like ways to be protected against the virus will be part of the mission of the health team that DOH sent in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Garin together with the DFA sent the team composed of three emerging infectious disease specialists of government hospitals to conduct the monitoring also of the conditions of the three reported cases of Filipinos tested positive with MERSCoV in Saudi Arabia who are seeking treatment in undisclosed hospitals.
She added that the team is also set to coordinate with DFA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the effort to map out or identify other health facilities that are likely to admit Filipino patients suspected of MERSCoV as well as the communities where the OFWs are staying.
She added that such mapping out operation will be helpful in the documentation process in case that big numbers of OFWs return to the Philippines in the coming weeks to prevent possible spread or local transmission of MERSCoV. There is an expected number of OFWs who will be returning in time for graduation, vacation, and observance of Holy Week.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) country director Dr. Julie Hall, the peak season for MERSCoV in Saudi Arabia are months of February, March and April.
It was in Saudi Arabia where the MERSCoV case originated.
In some studies conducted, camel breeding and camel trading is being linked to the spread of MERSCoV.
It was believed that during the peak seasons of MERSCoV, the camels are passing the virus among the herd with humans catching them.
MERSCoV symptoms are flu-like—wherein the patient may experience coughing, fever higher than 38 degrees, difficulty of breathing and diarrhea.
It can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and those susceptible are health workers taking care of MERSCoV patients.
As a precaution, it is recommended to maintain hygiene and strengthen the immune system to fight the virus.
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