An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has tested positive for the deadly Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) in Riyadh, the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia has said.
In an advisory posted on its website, the embassy reported a “newly-reported case of a Filipino national” infected with Mers.
His identity, however, was not disclosed.
“Following a newly-reported case of a Filipino national infected with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (Mers-CoV) in Riyadh, the Embassy would like to reiterate its previous advisories to Filipinos, especially workers in the healthcare sector, to continue taking all necessary precautions and observe health guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the DOH against Mers-CoV,” the statement read.
The embassy urged Filipino workers in the health sector to strictly follow “infection control protocols in their workplaces.”
“Despite the considerable decrease in Mers-CoV incidence in Saudi Arabia in recent months, maintaining high vigilance and caution against all types of infectious diseases (including Ebola virus disease) is necessary to ensure the safety of loved ones, friends and colleagues, both here in the Kingdom and in the Philippines,” the embassy said.
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The embassy said Filipinos who have been infected or tested with the virus should immediately report their condition to the embassy.
The embassy assured that information received by the Embassy with regard to Mers or any other infectious diseases would remain confidential.
OFWs in the Middle East may call the embassy hotlines at 0569893301 and 0515046362 or via email lmadiong@riyadhpe.com. IDL