As the Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus or MERS-CoV has been spreading in the Middle
East virtually uncontrolled, DOH met with various government agencies concerned
last Sept. 30 to discuss interim guidelines for the preparedness and response
to MERS-CoV. The disease has no known cure yet.
Dr. Venus Fortuna, head
of DOH’s Infections Diseases, briefed the agency-participants on their specific
roles in response to MERS-CoV, especially that a week from now, Muslim brothers
and sisters who performed hajj in Mecca ,
SA are set to go back home here or in any parts of Region 9 and the ARMM.
DOH is also closely
coordinating with hospitals here and health workers as part of the health
department’s action and preparation in case a suspected infected/contaminated
traveler (pilgrim) is noted.
The lady doctor
explained, MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory illness first reported in Saudi Arabia in
2012. She said Camels are considered the reservoir of the disease though did
not elaborate on it.
She said, MersCov mimics
the symptoms of an ordinary flu and has an incubation period of 14 days.
Most people who have
been confirmed to be positive of the disease developed fever, cough and
shortness of breath.
So far, MERS-CoV cases
have been linked to countries in and near the Arabian
Peninsula .
“It is important to
have respiratory hygiene, hugas kamay (hand washing),” Dr. Fortuna said.
The disease can be
spread through close contact, such as caring for and living with an infected
person or via droplets.
“There is no vaccine
for MERS-CoV specifically,” the lady doctor said.
It is important that if
one has history of travel from the Arabian Peninsula ,
he/she should immediately submit himself/herself for test and should be
isolated to avoid spread of the disease. (By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez - PIA IX)
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