30 Filipino peacekeepers in Liberia, uninfected by Ebola - PNP

 

MANILA, Philippines - The 30 Filipino peacekeepers in Liberia, West Africa are relatively safe and not infected by the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus, a Philippine National Police official said on Tuesday.

 

Police Chief Superintendent Alexander Ignacio, the PNP Director for Plans, said the the contingent commander to United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was directed to render daily update on health status of the PNP contingent members regarding the virus outbreak.

 

“UNMIL Contingent Commander, Police Superintendent Gerardo Avengoza, was also tasked to render incident report of Ebola virus directly to Abuja, Philippine embassy, copy furnished to National Council for United Nations Peace Operations, Department of Local and Interior Government, and DPL” Ignacio said.

 

Although there have been no reports of any suspected or confirmed Ebola cases among UN police contingents, the PNP said  that its personnel in Liberia are following the Ebola Advisory from Abuja, Philippine embassy and the Information Circular from UNMIL.

 

In the issued Ebola Advisory and Information Circular, peacekeeping members have been advised to strictly observe the issued prevention guidelines such as avoiding direct physical contact with infected or deceased persons, washing hands frequently with soap and water and other basic precautionary actions.

 

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Liberia last July 7, 62 confirmed cases of EVD were reported in Liberia affecting three areas: Lofa, Montserrado and Margibi. 

 

For the second epidemic, this brings the cumulative number of cases to 130 (confirmed, probable, suspected) with 37 deaths confirmed.

 

The PNP is closely coordinating with the Department of Health for other pre-emptive actions such as the conduct of post-arrival medical examinations on all returning peacekeepers this month to prevent possible infection in the country.