Returning OFWs under close watch over Ebola fears
Staff Report
DUBAI – The Department of Health (DOH) has urged any Filipino Overseas Worker (OFW) manifesting fever, headache, intense weakness, joint and muscle pains and sore throat to seek clearance with local health authorities from the country of employment before returning home.
The move came as seven out 15 Filipinos who arrived home from Sierra Leone were placed under close watch for possible symptoms of the deadly Ebola virus, which has killed more than 700 people in West Africa.
"Currently, only seven remain under close daily monitoring by DOH-HEMS (Health Emergency Management Staff) of possible symptoms while the rest are already cleared," said DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy. Even their families have been placed under close watch, Suy said.
The Bureau of Quarantine will determine the status of returning Filipinos upon arrival and refer symptomatic cases to the appropriate health facilities for clinical care with asymptomatic individuals to be closely monitored daily.
Regional health officials have been placed on standby to facilitate the conduct and admission of possible suspected cases to the nearest DOH hospitals or medical centers.
The 15 Filipinos arrived in the country in batches between June 26 and July 15. At least three initially manifested fever symptoms but were eventually tested negative for Ebola virus.
What is Ebola?
Ebola can be transmitted through close contact with blood secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals, body fluids and stools of an infected person.
Signs and symptoms of infection with Ebola virus include fever, headache, intense weakness, joint and muscle pains and sore throat. These are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.
Other symptoms may include rash, red eyes, hiccups, and bleeding from body openings.
