The Department of Health (DOH) is closely coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) following the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in parts of Africa.
In a statement, the DOH said it remains on alert for the said Ebola strain.
DOH Undersecretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo explained that although Ebola outbreaks commonly occur in Western and Central Africa, Ebola-related incidents recorded in the Philippines in 1989, 1996, and 2008 were linked to the Reston virus strain.
According to Domingo, the Reston strain does not cause illness in humans.
He added that the agency is currently focused on ensuring that the public receives accurate and reliable information regarding the outbreak.
The DOH also assured the public that preventive measures against the disease are in place.
According to the agency, the Philippines remains free from the Bundibugyo virus strain.
