The Department of Health (DOH) is sending an epidemiology expert and an infectious disease

specialist to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assist overseas Filipinos following the report of
a death from MERSCoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) infection of an
overseas Filipino worker (OFW) on April 11.
The decision to send these health experts was made to look into the situation where a Filipino
health worker died and six others were found to be positive, as reported by health authorities of
the country of origin. The said OFW is asymptomatic. This OFW, a health worker, had personal
contact with a confirmed MERSCoV patient and came home for the Holy Week.
At the same time, the DOH and the Bureau of Quarantine has already identified this OFW and is
being attended to in isolation. Close contacts are also being attended to and are in quarantine.
The OFW understood the risks from the disease and has been cooperative with the DOH. The
DOH is conducting an intensive contact tracing.
The DOH reiterates its advice to OFWs who have respiratory illness to see their healthcare
provider and mention their recent exposure or travel while the Bureau of Quarantine strengthens
its monitoring of all incoming passengers in all ports and airports.
The public is reminded to observe proper cough manners and frequent handwashing.