THE Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday that there remains no Filipino being afflicted of the dreaded Ebola virus disease (EVD) either in the country or overseas.
In an interview, DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy related that the finding of the Filipino seafarer on board a Greek-flagged ship being negative of Ebola means there is no Philippine national that has acquired the virus.
"We have no case of Ebola here or abroad. None that we know of," Lee Suy told reporters.
Earlier, reports came out that a Filipino crew member of a Greek cargo ship is being examined after manifesting Ebola symptoms, particularly fever.
The Greek-flagged carrier Magda P. was reportedly on its way from Ebola-stricken Guinea and is headed to Ukraine but was forced to drop anchor off Athens, Greece.
He also related that the Filipino peacekeeper suffering from sore throat is already feeling well and did not develop other illnesses.
"He feels a lot better and is just completing his antibiotics. He was just placed in isolation and under observation as a precautionary measure in case he may have other illness," the DOH official noted.
Lee Suy said the peacekeeper is already set to join his other colleagues in Caballo Island as soon as he completes his medication.
Meanwhile, Lee Suy said the quarantine area for arriving Filipinos from Ebola-hit countries has already been determined by the government.
While he refused to identify the site, Lee Suy said the area can accommodate around 60 to 70 individuals only.
"We have already selected the quarantine site where they can stay comfortably for 21 days and we have also planned what they will be eating and even how their food will be served," Lee Suy said.
While in quarantine, the DOH official said the workers will be provided counseling while they are under quarantine so they will understand why the need for them to be isolated and be away from their loved ones for 21 days.
Earlier, the DOH had said it is highly unlikely that the government will also use the Caballo Island as a quarantine zone since it is a military area and may not accommodate civilians.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also issued Thursday guidelines on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
According to the WHO, the use of PPE is essential only when in close contact with a person, who is displaying the symptoms of Ebola.
And to catch the Ebola virus, the WHO said it requires direct contact with the body fluid of an infectious person, which are only those that have already developed symptoms.
PPE refers to a range of specialized clothing, such as face cover, head cover, protective foot wear and gowns or coveralls, worn to protect those who are directly responsible and engaged in the care of people who are displaying the symptoms of Ebola.
The WHO also stressed that PPEs are in limited supply across the world and should be used only where strictly necessary.
The guidelines come on the heels of calls for acting DOH Secretary Janette Garin to wear PPE when she goes to the Senate next week.
The proposal comes amid separate calls for Garin to be placed under quarantine after she visited the Filipino peacekeepers from Ebola-stricken Liberia at the Caballo Island last Sunday without protective gear. (Sunnex)