DFA: Another OFW in Saudi suspected of having MERS-CoV

MANILA, Philippines - Another Filipina nurse in Saudi Arabia has been placed in isolation for suspected Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) infection.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has withheld her identity. She is presently under observation, according to DFA spokesman Charles Jose. 

“Unfortunately, one new case was added,” he said.

“This is a female nurse, no age given, and she has been placed in isolation under observation. So, as of now, we are still monitoring four cases of Filipinos with MERS-CoV in Riyadh.” 

Four Filipino nurses in a hospital in Saudi Arabia have been infected with MERS-CoV, the DFA said.

The nurses were infected through exposure to patients being treated for MERS-CoV, the DFA added.

Of the four nurses, a female nurse placed under observation has been discharged from the hospital after a series of tests showed negative results for the respiratory disease, Jose said.

One of two nurses admitted in the intensive care unit is now awake and able to communicate, he added.

However, the two other nurses remain in ICU, he said.

Two of four Filipino health care workers previously reported to have been infected with the disease were assigned in the ICU and two others were working in the emergency room, Jose said.

Hospital management has assured the Philippine embassy in Riyadh that the Filipinos are being provided the best medical treatment available, and that the hospital is well equipped with comprehensive treatment and facilities for MERS-CoV cases, the DFA said.

Filipinos in Saudi Arabia must take extra precaution, pay attention to their personal hygiene and follow closely the advisory issued by their local health authorities, a DFA advisory has reiterated. 

Filipinos working in hospitals are advised to strictly follow the infection prevention protocols and those experiencing symptoms are advised to immediately report to the hospital for treatment.