Health execs warn on Ebola; urge OFWs to be honest on contacts

By Erwin G. Beleo

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Department of Health Region 1 officials warned the deadly Ebola virus could strike anywhere including the country as they appealed Thursday to returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to report to medical authorities if they happened to have any possible physical contact with a person with Ebola while abroad.

“Keeping the country free from the highly-infectious and deadly disease depends on their honesty. Importante lang na maging honest tayo sa ating mga kababayan na kung sila ay may contact sa pasyenteng ‘Ebola’ virus para ma-quarantine,” said Dr. Myna Cabotaje, DOH-1 director.

In airing her appeal, Cabotaje said the DOH-1 Operations Center, which is tasked to monitor and stand-by on a 24/7 basis, is prepared with contingency measures in case an Ebola virus-infected patient sets foot in Region 1.

She said these measures are in place at the San Fernando Poro Point Seaport, the center of unloading and loading of cargo ships in Region 1, and Laoag City International Airport.

The health official noted how health workers abroad who are returning for the long Yuletide celebration in the country must be Ebola-conscious.

“With the healthcare workers (returning from abroad), they are the most vulnerable to infection. Early detection and treatment given some fluids to limit its symptoms and most important is to none communicable disease,” she said.