Pinoy Health Workers Worried Over Suspected Ebola Patients

CANADA – A suspected Ebola patient has caused some Filipino health workers at the St, Catharine’s General Hospital in Niagara to worry.

“Syempre, nung nalaman ko yun natakot din ako pero syempre meron akong pag-iingat sa sarili lalo na sa klase ng trabaho ko,” said Annie Lorenzo.

The Niagara Health System however assured the public not to panic as the two patients, who travelled from West Africa, were isolated.

They were treated according to health medical guidelines and government took all the necessary precautions.

After weeks of observation and treatment, an email was sent to Balitang Canada stating the patients tested negative for Ebola.

It takes 2 to 21 days after infection for signs of Ebola virus to appear. Symptoms include sudden fever, feeling tired along with muscle pains, headache and sore throat. Some patients will also experience vomiting, diarrhea, rash, bruising or bleeding even without an injury.

There have been 33 Ebola outbreaks since 1976, but the 2014 outbreak in West Africa is by far the largest in history.

“With Ebola, you should not take it for granted because this is a lethal, viral infection that can kill people,” said Dr. Bong Buiza, Director of Care Assistant, Coblestone Garden, Niagara.

But despite Ebola’s deadly threat, Pinoy health workers are confident about Canada’s preparedness for the virus.

“May confidence naman ako na kaya ma-get rid ng Canada ang virus na ganoong klase,” said Lorenzo.

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has designated 10 referral hospitals in Ontario to treat confirmed cases of Ebola.

(Source: Marlou Tiro, ABS-CBN Canada)