Health Secretary Janette Garin has assured the public not to panic as the agency is fully ready and capable of detecting, isolating and treating the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Despite the confirmation that a 36-year-old male foreigner was tested positive for MERS, Garin said his condition has been improving according to test results. He is still being observed at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa City.
The foreigner, who is believed to have arrived in the Philippines from the Middle East, is currently being held under quarantine. He is the second case after a Filipina nurse also tested positve of the disease in February.
Garin said several of the people the victim had come in close contact with had been traced with seven people believed to be under home quarantine.
The patient was referred to the RITM last Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Garin said that the patient had a low viral load of MERS-CoV. She noted that such is an indication that the patient may be on his or her way to recovery.
Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, DOH Spokesperson, said that the patient was on his 14th day of the incubation period of the virus when he was tested.
This means, Lee Suy said that the risk of transmission to other passengers in the same flight with the patient is lower.
Garin said there is no need to panic as she reiterated : “Ipinapaalala po natin sa publiko na walang documented community transmission ang MERS-CoV.”
The DOH has also formed a Task Force MERSCoV to create heightened awareness and vigilance among our people on the MERS-CoV and prevent the spread of the communicable disease.
MERS-CoV is a severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath.
As of June 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded, 1338 laboratory-confirmed cases since 2012 in 26 countries, including at least 475 deaths.
Meanwhile, the WHO does not recommend the imposition of any travel, trade, or screening restrictions related to MERS-CoV. However, it is advised that travelers, whether tourists or migrant workers, should maintain a high level of vigilance, especially those coming from MERS-CoV-infected countries.
The DOH reiterated its call to Filipinos who have returned recently from the Middle East to report to the nearest hospital if they experience symptoms of the disease.
The Bureau of Quarantine is closely monitoring all points of entry in the Philippines to ensure the surveillance of all incoming travelers from different countries. They are calling to the public to honestly fill-up the health declaration checklist (yellow form) as an initial participation to prevent MERSCoV in entering the Philippines.
MERS-CoV is a communicable disease, so it is important that we all work together to prevent the infection from spreading, Garin said.
“There is no reason to panic and we appeal to the public to respect the privacy of the patient. What is important now is for us to continue practicing proper hygiene, having adequate rest, balanced diet, all leading to a good resistance; allow us to emphasize that vigilance is still needed. Every one of us has a significant role in fighting MERS-Cov. Let us be precautious, and adhere to the reminders given by the DOH. Your participation will save the lives of our families, loved ones and other people from MERS-CoV. May papel kayo dito,” Garin concluded.
Hotlines are established 24/7 where calls may be made for those who may need assistance: (02)711-1001; (02)711-1002; 0922-884-1564; 0920-949-8419; 0915-772-5621.