6 OFWs with MERS-CoV released from hospital

MANILA, Philippines — Six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates who were previously tested positive for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) had been released from the hospital.

Citing a report from a Filipino official in Abu Dhabi, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said this on Friday, explaining that the six Filipinos had been declared negative from the corona virus strain after undergoing two consecutive tests.

The labor chief did not identify the six OFWs to protect their privacy.

Baldoz said the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are working closely with the Philippine Embassy and with the Filipino communities in UAE in raising awareness on the MERS-CoV and the precautionary measures needed against the virus.

"Our POLOs are one with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi in making representation with the host country's local health authorities, not only in securing correct and relevant information, but also in protecting Filipinos in the medical and allied professions," Baldoz was quoted as saying in a report from the state-run Philippine News Agency.

The latest development comes after the death of a 45-year-old Filipina nurse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia due to MERS-CoV.

Read: Pinay nurse dies of MERS

MERS-CoV belongs to a family of viruses known as corona viruses that include both the common cold and SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, which killed some 800 people in a global outbreak in 2003. MERS-CoV can cause symptoms including fever, breathing problems, pneumonia and kidney failure.

Scientists believe camels may play a role in primary infections. The disease can then spread between people, but typically only if they are in close contact with one another. Many of those infected have been health-care workers. - Louis Bacani with AP