16 April 2014 – Reiterating the earlier call of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh urges the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia to take necessary precautions and follow the guidance of the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) with regard to the Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS—CoV).

The Embassy continues to advise Filipino nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain calm and follow existing guidelines given by Saudi MOH (as shown in the attached infographic), particularly on regular and thorough washing of hands, frequent use of hand sanitizers, and observing other general hygiene practices. Those who experience any of the disease’s symptoms are urged to immediately seek medical attention.

For those who have queries, the MOH Hotline can be reached at 800-249-4444.

On April 9, Saudi Health Minister Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah stated that “The rate of incidence is still low, and doesn’t represent an epidemic…according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the relevant scientific committees.”

On April 12, the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed that one Filipino worker died on April 10 due to MERS-CoV, while five other Filipinos who were infected remain in quarantine as a precaution. The remaining five Filipinos are now recovering.  

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the symptoms of MERS-CoV, which include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and even diarrhea. Human cases of MERS-CoV have also been reported in other Middle Eastern countries, such as Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.  END