DOH measures to keep Ebola at bay

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Department of Health (DOH) said today that it has put in place precautionary measures to prevent the entry and spread of the Ebola virus disease in the country.

Amid the growing threat of the disease, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said there is still no cause for alarm.

"We are not worried but we are concerned and when we say we are concerned, we are doing everything to make sure that (the disease) does not reach our people," said Ona.

He said quarantine personnel at Philippine airports have already been instructed to make sure that all incoming travelers go through thermal scanners.

Ona said the DOH also has reagents and testing kits which can be used for early diagnosis of cases.

He said the Philippine government will educate overseas Filipino workers in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone about the disease. Hundreds have already died following an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus disease in the three west African nations.