Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Following reports of a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak in South Korea, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday (June 8) said that the Philippines is one step ahead in monitoring the disease.
Related: S. Korea MERS outbreak: 6 dead; 2,500 quarantined; 1,800 schools closed
“Perhaps they didn’t have an inkling that the people who’ve been entering their hospitals may have MERS. We’ve had a heads up since 2014,” said Dr. Vito Roque, officer-in-charge of the DOH-National Epidemiology Center.
In 2014, the DOH monitored three confirmed cases of MERS that turned out negative. Strict monitoring in airports had been implemented since then.
While information gathered from the 2014 incidents helped streamline the DOH monitoring process, Roque repeated an appeal to all passengers from South Korea to fill out health declaration checklists completely and truthfully.
“And at the end of the day, these passengers don’t only protect themselves, they also protect their loved ones,” Roque added.
The DOH also asked the public to watch out for any signs of the disease. Symptoms of MERS are:
cough
difficulty in breathing
high fever
diarrhea
kidney failure
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that its embassy in South Korea is now strictly monitoring Filipinos staying there.
The DOH also encouraged the public to approach any of its offices should they want to know more on how to fight and prevent MERS.
For more information on the disease and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERSCoV), the DOH can be reached through its hotline: (02) 711.1001 to 02.
