Agencies to educate public on Ebola

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has asked representatives from at least five government agencies to discuss about the Ebola virus disease.

According to Councilor Sisinio Andales, the city government and the residents should be made aware of the dreaded disease.

“Cebu City government and Cebu City constituents should be vigilant and be informed regarding the Ebola disease,” Andales stated in his resolution.

The City Council has set an executive session for October 22 for the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA), and Cebu City Health Office to educate the public on dangerous diseases.

Andales said that the DOH has ordered all health officials around the country to be prepared.

“DOH directed regional health officials to be ready in case returning Filipino workers will be found to have symptoms of the Ebola disease,” the councilor said.

DOH Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona has also requested returning Filipinos working in West Africa, where the virus originated, to check for any symptoms of infection.

Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and frequently fatal illness with a case fatality rate of up to 90%.

Its infection is passed on through a direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of contaminated animals or people. — (FREEMAN)