DOH Assures Philippines Prepared for Nipah Virus, Citing 2014 Outbreak
The Department of Health has firmly assured the public that the Philippines is well-prepared to handle the Nipah virus, emphasizing that this disease is not new to the country. According to DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, the first recorded cases of the virus date back to 2014 in Sultan Kudarat, where 17 cases were documented.
Symptoms and Transmission of Nipah Virus
Domingo explained that symptoms of the Nipah virus infection can include flu-like signs, brain inflammation, and meningitis. The virus is transmitted through consumption of contaminated horse meat or direct contact with individuals infected with Nipah virus.
Ongoing Monitoring and Global Context
Since the 2014 outbreak, the Epidemiology Bureau has maintained continuous monitoring of the virus, with no new cases reported in the Philippines since then. The World Health Organization has identified NiV as a zoonotic virus, which can spread through contaminated food or person-to-person contact.
WHO also noted that several bat species found in the Philippines are at risk of carrying the virus, highlighting the importance of vigilance and preventive measures.
