Mysterious disease still afflicts OFWs in Taiwan

A mysterious disease that has caused the death of several Filipino workers continues to afflict overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma reported that the Philippine and Taiwanese governments are working to prevent the spread of Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) among Filipino factory workers.

Laguesma flew to Taiwan last Thursday to discuss with officials of their Ministry of Health (MOH) measures to ensure industrial safety and health of Filipino workers there.

"Both the governments of the Philippines and Taiwan are now providing treatment and looking for a lasting medical solution to the industrial illness, particularly SJS," Laguesma said.

Several Filipino workers in Taiwan have died while about a hundred others have been afflicted with the mysterious disease since 1996.

A person with SJS suffers from fever, hepatitis, skin rashes, peeling of skin, temporary blindness and even severe kidney complications.

The real cause of SJS is yet to be determined, although there are beliefs that it is caused by severe allergic reaction to various substances, including drugs, and biological agents.– Mayen Jaymalin