The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) wishes to inform the Filipino community that there are only two (2) MERS-CoV patients confined at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa, including the “index case” of a Filipina nurse from Saudi Arabia.

DOH would like to reiterate that MERS-CoV is not an air-borne disease. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets within a distance of 1 meter or less, preferably with multiple exposures and with enough viral loads.

With regards to Saudia flight 860, DOH has contacted the 115 passengers and they will be subjected to MERS-CoV testing. Considering the 14-day incubation period, February 15 was the last day for contact tracing of the remaining passengers since February 1.

DOH, however, put in isolation two of the passengers currently being closely-observed. One is considered a “patient under investigation” and another one is considered a “MER-CoV suspect”.

As to the “index case”, let us include her in our prayers for speedy recovery. She and her baby deserve utmost respect and understanding. The hospital she is working in Saudi turned out to have a MERS patient recently. Her plight has opened our eyes to initiate moves on further protecting our health workers abroad.

Let’s not forget the hygienic practices like proper and frequent hand washing, having adequate sleep and by eating a nutritious diet. These are all vital in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like MERS-CoV. Awareness and early detection are also important.

For information and guidance. Thank you.