No Pinoy infected by Ebola so far - DFA

ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 08/08/2014 6:30 PM | Updated as of 08/08/2014 6:30 PM

MANILA – There is no let-up on efforts in securing Filipinos in Ebola-hit countries even though the Department of Foreign Affairs has gotten no report of any Pinoy infected with the deadly virus.
DFA spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said that the virus has affected Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and recently Nigeria.
“Roughly 10,741 Filipinos are living and working in these areas combined. As of this date there have been no reports from the Philippine embassy in Abuja, which has jurisdiction over these 4 countries, that a Filipino has contracted the virus,” Jose said.
Nevertheless, Jose said the embassy has released information on proper hygiene and sanitation to avoid the spread of the Ebola virus.
“Moreover Filipino peacekeepers in the UN mission in Liberia are in good physical condition as reported by the embassy in Abuja,” Jose added.
Alert level 2 remains in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, while alert level 1 is maintained in Nigeria.
“The embassy is vigilant in monitoring new developments on the Ebola virus from the World Health Organization. The embassy is also coordinating with the governments of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia,” he said.
The Philippine government has created an inter-agency task force led by the Department of Health to ensure that there are measures in place to prevent the virus from reaching the Philippines.
“In the event a Filipino is infected with any infectious disease including Ebola, he or she will be given the treatment needed. The DOH continues to closely monitor arrivals from Ebola affected areas,” Jose said.

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