Health expert cites need for dissemination of correct information on Ebola virus

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MANILA — Correct information dissemination can help much in preventing the entry into the country of the deadly Ebola virus, or should it happen, the spread of the disease can be easily contained.

This was emphasized by Dr. Ludovico Jurao, president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), during a health forum held Tuesday at Annabel’s Restaurant on Tomas Morato Ave.

, Quezon City.

“As we continuously work hand-in-hand with the Department of Health (DOH), we are coordinating also with them on the formulation of certain correct information materials that will enlighten the public, especially the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arriving from the affected areas or where it originated, and their families,” Dr. Jurao told the media members.

According to Jurao, the information materials will be containing common or frequently-asked questions about Ebola virus such as its history, symptoms or signs, how it is transmitted, the incubation period, and how its entry into the country can be prevented.

“Correct information is vital to boost public awareness and avoid misconceptions so that the public will not panic about it,” the PSMID president stressed.

The PSMID has at least 200 member doctors who have expressed willingness to assist the DOH in managing and controlling the spread of the infectious disease in the event that it enters the country despite pro-active and preventive measures.

The DOH had earlier assured the public that there is no reason to panic as the country has remained Ebola-free.

Dr. Jurao said the symptoms of the disease resemble those of common flu infections such as fever, severe headache, and muscle pains. He added that the infected person may also experience vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver functions and in some cases external and internal bleeding, which are usually signs of other infectious diseases.

“The only way to detect or to assume that a person can have that (the disease) as of now is if that person comes or has been exposed to the virus from the countries where it has an outbreak,” such as in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, the health expert said.

“The problem is it takes two to 21 days for the virus to incubate itself.

While it is transmitted through bodily fluids, it can also be transmitted through sexual contacts,” he explained.

He stressed that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arriving from the Ebola virus-affected areas should disclose to their family members and the authorities if they have direct contact with those infected with the disease so that they can be monitored and thus help in preventing the possible spread of such disease in the country.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were already 932 deaths from Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria as of Aug. 4, 2014 due to Ebola virus.

Dr. Jurao said that while the country is lucky that it remains Ebola-free, it is important that the public is provided with the correct information and accurate steps to be taken in preventing it.