DOH intensifies monitoring of possible Ebola carriers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) is on high alert and has intensified its monitoring of possible carriers of the deadly Ebola virus in the country, Malacañang assured the public yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over dzRB the government is following a standard procedure in monitoring airports to track people who might have the disease.

She said the DOH has the experience and capability to deal with the threat of Ebola, citing its preparations with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome corona virus.

“Our procedures became stronger,” she said. “The DOH has had practice with it.”

She said the DOH is on alert for migrant workers, especially those coming from countries with reported Ebola infections, and is prepared to carry out quarantine measures.

Health officials have also issued advisories on the importation of exotic animals from Africa, which could carry the virus, Valte added.

The DOH has likewise alerted the Armed Forces of the Philippines regarding its personnel who served as peacekeepers in Liberia, where an outbreak of Ebola was reported.