Filipinos warned of Macau health measures vs Ebola outbreak

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos living in Macau and those seeking to visit the special administrative region have been warned of the Macau Health Services’ move to strengthen response measures at its borders and ports for the early detection and prevention of cross-border spread of the Ebola virus.

The Philippine consulate general in Macau reported that Macau’s announcement of the measures is in response to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s declaration of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a “public health emergency of international interest.”

Since the outbreak was first recorded, there have been 2,512 cases of the disease and 676 deaths registered in the African country.

“The strengthened response measures at Macau’s borders will include questioning and inspection by border crossing health workers of all passport holders in the affected regions,” the consulate general said.

If people from countries and regions affected by the outbreaks show or appear to manifest symptoms of Ebola, the Health Services will immediately refer them to the Conde de São Januário Hospital Center where they will be evaluated and tested.

“If people do not show symptoms, health services agents will follow the medical condition daily by telephone,” it said.

The WHO has declared the Ebola Virus Disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and has recommended the implementation of heightened health measures in Congo, which remains the only affected country in the region. 

The Philippine embassy in Nairobi, which has jurisdiction over Congo, has also advised the Filipino community to remain cautious and observe health safety precautions at all times.