Pinay critical in Jeddah

A Filipina is now in critical condition in a hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia after she was infected by a deadly virus known as Rift Valley Fever (RVF), according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

In a report to the DFA, Consul General to Jeddah Kadatuan Usop identified the victim as Flordeliza Molde, but he did not give further details.

Usop said the virus has infected 238 people in Saudi Arabia and 52 people have already died from illness brought about by contact with the germ.

Usop said Saudi health authorities have reported an RVF outbreak in the Kingdom and neighboring Yemen but assured that it is now under control.

The concerned authorities have been urged to step up efforts to contain the spread of the virus, he added.

Usop said Filipinos in the Kingdom and Yemen were cautioned against eating meat of dubious origin and were advised to protect themselves against insect bites.

Usop also warned Filipinos against unnecessary travel to the regions of Jizan, Narjan, Qunfuda, and other areas near the Saudi-Yemeni border, and to refrain from having contact with people infected with the virus. – Aurea Calica