For MERS-CoV test in Negros Or.: OFW from Lebanon put under quarantine

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — A female overseas Filipino worker from Lebanon is now put on quarantine at a government hospital in this city for observation and testing of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV).

DOH-Negros Oriental head Socrates Villamor disclosed that the OFW, who hails from Bayawan City in the southern part of the province, arrived in Dumaguete City on Friday from Manila.

Villamor said the woman, whose identity health authorities have kept under wraps to avoid unnecessary public attention, was on the same flight as that of an OFW from the United Arab Emirates who arrived in the Philippines last Wednesday and was suspected of having MERS-CoV.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona on Friday clarified reports that official results of the tests conducted by the DOH, on the OFW from the UAE, has not been released yet following reports that he has been found negative of the virus.

Villamor told The Freeman the DOH had issued a directive to undertake a contact trace of all the passengers on the same international flight that arrived at the NAIA, carrying the male nurse from UAE, and have them report to the nearest health facility.

The move was precautionary as part of efforts by the DOH to prevent the spread of the MERS-CoV after an OFW had died earlier of the disease.

On Friday, a trace led authorities to the female OFW in Bayawan City where she was reported to have voluntarily submitted herself for isolation and testing at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) in this capital city, said Villamor.

The international airlines had released a manifesto of all the passengers on the Wednesday flight to assist authorities in contacting them for routine testing and quarantine, said Villamor, adding that other OFWs on that flight were also traced to Cebu and Bohol.

Initial investigation showed the OFW from Bayawan City had stayed with relatives in Metro Manila for two days prior to her departure to Dumaguete on Good Friday

She has so far not exhibited any symptoms of the virus. However, she will still be subjected to routine testing in the coming days once the DOH in Region 7 has sent the medium to be used for such test, Villamor explained.

It is not known how long the woman shall be under quarantine, depending on the results of the test as well as other considerations, the DOH provincial chief said.

Meanwhile, Villamor urged the public to heed the general advice to avoid contracting diseases, especially viral infections, such as frequent hand washing and staying away from crowded places unless necessary.

For those having close contact with the OFW, Villamor said they are advised to undergo self-quarantine, such as staying in the house for a certain period.

The DOH official also further disclosed he is communicating with the DOH-7 office on what to do on the other passengers on the local flight to Dumaguete, which the OFW from Lebanon took.

Health workers were also advised to take the standard precautionary measures if coming in close contact with the OFW, regardless of her diagnosis.  (FREEMAN)