DOH Calls Public To Fight Against Merscov

The Department of Health (DOH) has mobilized Task Force MERSCoV to create heightened awareness and vigilance among our people on the Middle East RespiratorySyndrome-Corona Virus (MERSCoV) and prevent the spread of this communicable disease.

Last September 29, DOH received a report of a Saudi national who developed cough, high fever and occasional chills. These symptoms started on September 26, 2015.The patient was subsequently admitted in a private hospital on September 28, 2015. Unfortunately, the patient’s condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead on September 29, 2015. Aside from signs and symptoms, including x-ray results suggestive of MERS, the patient also showed indication of Myocardial Infarction.

At the moment, Task Force MERSCoV has started contact tracing of people who were possibly exposed to the said foreigner during the history of travel here in the country. 55 hospital staff, 16 hotel staff, and 3 workers from the funeral parlor were in contact with the patient. All contacts were asymptomatic as of last night, except for 12 health workers who are currently admitted at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and the San Lazaro Hospital. As of today, all symptomatic health workers yielded negative for MERSCoV infection. They will be monitored daily by the DOH for the next 14 days from the time of exposure until they are cleared of a possible MERSCoV infection. We are doing this to ensure that no one gets infected.

“Muli po kaming nagpapaalala sa lahat na maging agresibo sa pagbabantay upang manatiling limitado ang presensya ng MERSCOV sa atingbansa. MERS is an illness, which is similar to flu, including fever with cough, cold, or sneezing. What is important is to report to the nearest hospital if you experience flu-like symptoms and a history of travel to the Arabian Peninsula or possible exposure to a MERSCoV infected patient. Malala po ang epekto ng MERSCoV sa mga senior citizen na may diabetes o stroke.Nagpapaalala po kami salahat ng manlalakbay nai-kumpleto ang health declaration checklist o yellow form kapag pumapasok sabansa.”  Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto Garin said.

Hotlines are established 24/7 where calls may be made by our citizens and foreign nationals residing in the Philippines who may need assistance. They may be reached on the following telephone numbers: 711-1001; 711-1002; 0922-884-1564; 0920-949-8419; 0915-772-5621.