DFA: Another OFW in Saudi with MERS

MANILA, Philippines - Another Filipina nurse in Saudi Arabia has contracted the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

“Our consulate general in Jeddah confirmed that a Filipina nurse in Jeddah contracted MERS-CoV two weeks ago,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.

“After several days of treatment in the intensive care unit, the patient showed good improvement and was unhooked from the mechanical ventilator a few days ago and started breathing on her own. She will probably be taken out of the ICU and transferred to an isolation room in a few days,” he added.

The DFA reiterated its previous advisory to Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to take extra precaution, pay attention to their personal hygiene and strictly follow the advisory issued by their health authorities. 

Those who will experience symptoms are advised to immediately go to the hospital for treatment.

Filipinos who may have been infected with the virus are strongly encouraged to report their condition to the embassy as soon as possible.

The DFA assured Filipinos that information received by the embassy with regard to MERS-CoV cases – or any other infectious diseases – among Filipinos will remain confidential.