BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA
CEBU CITY, August 13 (PIA)---The Philippines is still free from the ebola virus infection (EVD, assured health authorities saying that so far, no one has been confirmed to have acquired EVD up to this date, in Central Visayas and the Philippines.
Department of Health (DOH-7) medical specialist Dr. Joanri Riveral said there has been no case since the virus was discovered in 1976.
”It is an imported disease that came from a monkey in Sudan, Congo and so far, we are thankful no one has been inflicted with EVB nor has it entered the country,” Riveral said.
He said, the government is treating EVB with the same degree as with other health threats like the AH1N1 virus and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Health officials from the national, down to the barangay levels are all out in giving massive information to raise awareness on the virus coupled with the strong coordination with other agencies involved in the quarantine of all incoming passengers in airports and seaports particularly those coming from Africa and China.
“It also includes animals coming from these places,” Riveral said.
EVB he said is most contaminating through the discharges of the patients' sweat, saliva, urine and feces.
“And the best fight against it is always practice proper hygiene; say Happy Birthday song twice during hand washing,” Riveral said.
Signs and symptoms of EBV he said, usually begin with a flu-like stage characterized by fatigue, fever, headaches, and joint, muscle, and abdominal pain. There is also vomiting and loss of appetite.
Other less common symptoms include sore throat, chest pain, hiccups, shortness of breathing and trouble swallowing . (mbcn/FCC/PIA-7)