PR-106-2014
2 September 2014

Advisory

PHL Embassy Reiterates Advice to Filipinos to
Continue Taking Precautionary Measures against MERS-CoV

(Riyadh, 03 September 2014) – Following a report by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) that a Saudi Arabia-based Filipina nurse tested positive for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) upon her arrival in Manila recently, the Embassy would like to reiterate its previous advisories to Filipinos, especially workers in the healthcare sector, to continue taking all necessary precautions and observe health guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the DOH against MERS-CoV.

            Filipino workers in the healthcare sector should strictly follow infection control protocols in their workplaces. They are also strongly encouraged to take advantage of voluntary MERS-CoV screening tests available thru their employers, especially if they intend to travel back to the Philippines. Filipinos who take the screening tests are advised to wait for their results before traveling and to bring a copy of their test results for the perusal of Philippine health authorities upon arrival.

            Despite the considerable decrease in MERS-CoV incidence in Saudi Arabia in recent months, maintaining high vigilance and caution against all types of infectious diseases (including Ebola Virus Disease) is necessary to ensure the safety of loved ones, friends and colleagues, both here in the Kingdom and in the Philippines.

Filipinos who may have been tested or infected with the virus are strongly encouraged to report their conditions to the Embassy as soon as possible. Information received by the Embassy with regard to MERS-CoV virus cases (or any other infectious diseases like Ebola) among Filipinos will remain confidential.

To make a report or to obtain more information, please call the Embassy Hotline at 051 504 6362. (END)