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Wednesday, March 26, 2003
DOH-CAR alerted as OFW from Abra dies of Sars
By Harley Palangchao
OFFICIALS of the Department of Health in the Cordilleras (DOH-CAR) were put on alert following reports that a Filipina maid, who worked in Hong Kong, died of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and will be transported to her hometown in Manabo, Abra, anytime in the next few days.
Dr. Erwin Baclig, chief of the DOH-CAR Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, reported that they have also alerted the Abra Provincial Health Office to (APHO) to immediately get in touch with the family of the Sars victim, who was identified as Adella Dalingay, and to advise them that strict health monitoring will be implemented during the wake of the victim.
Manabo is a two-hour drive from Bangued, the capital town of Abra, which is also a six-hour drive from Manila.
Baclig also reported that a group of epidemiologists from the DOH central office would assist in transporting the body of Dalingay from a Manila airport. "This is to ensure the safety of other people from being contaminated because the disease is a new phenomenon," Baclig said.
In the wake of this Sars-related death involving an OFW, Baclig advised the families of OFWs working in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore to inform their relatives abroad to take extra precaution, while at work or in going to crowded places.
"In our level, were are strictly coordinating with officials of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to give us their feedback regarding OFWs from the Cordilleras, who test positive for any communicable disease," Baclig added.
He explained that all OFWs passing through the NAIA are subjected to mandatory quarantine check-ups to determine if they are infected with diseases, which they may have acquired abroad.
In Manila, President Gloria Arroyo said the DOH and the Philippine consul in Hong Kong are closely monitoring developments and trying to determine if there are other Filipinos who may be affected with Sars.
The consul is also coordinating closely with the host government and will immediately report to Arroyo any assistance the Philippines can extend to the victims, whether they be Philippine or Hong Kong residents.
Initial reports showed that Sars has affected nationals in several countries, mostly in Asia, like China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore and Canada.
(March 26, 2003 issue)
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