Overseas workers at risk of catching bird flu advised to delay travel to Philippines

The Philippine government advised Friday overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who felt that they had the risk of contracting avian flu or H7N9 to postpone their travel back to the country. Philippine Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz made the advice following the recent death of an old man who had contracted the dreaded disease in Hong Kong. "OFWs who are showing symptoms of the H7N9 virus, such as fever, coughing, or shortness of breath, should immediately see a doctor, " she said. Those OFWs who are scheduled to come home, but feel that they may contract the disease were advised to "delay their travel home until after a doctor gives the go-signal to travel," Baldoz added. She said that OFWs in Hong Kong engaged in poultry work, or who respond to avian influenza outbreaks, are advised to follow recommended bio-security and infection control practices. These include use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, and careful attention to hand hygiene, she added.