Health authorities in the Philippines are currently intensifying border surveillance and public awareness efforts regarding the deadly Nipah virus (NiV), even though no cases have been confirmed in the country as of now. This proactive measure aims to prevent the potential spread of this highly fatal pathogen, which has a mortality rate reaching up to 75 percent.
Enhanced Screening Protocols at Entry Points
The Department of Health (DOH) has already deployed thermal scanners and nurses from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to all seaports and airports across the nation. These personnel are tasked with monitoring passengers for signs of the virus, which originates from fruit bats and can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, or brain inflammation.
Comprehensive Monitoring Systems in Place
According to the DOH, every port and gateway in the Philippines is equipped with BOQ sub-stations featuring infrared thermal scanners at each arrival concourse. Two BOQ nurses are stationed to monitor the temperatures of passengers arriving from other countries. Those with temperatures exceeding 37.5°C or displaying symptoms will undergo further examination by scanners and spotters, with individuals requiring care being referred to DOH-designated hospitals.
Additionally, all passengers must complete a health declaration checklist through the e-Travel application to gain entry into the country. This digital tool helps streamline the screening process and ensures that health data is collected efficiently.
Understanding the Nipah Virus Threat
The Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1998 and is considered a rare but dangerous pathogen that has caused outbreaks in various parts of Asia. It is primarily carried by fruit bats of the genus Pteropus, which are found throughout Southeast Asia, including some regions of the Philippines.
Human infection can occur through direct contact with infected bats, their saliva, urine, or contaminated fruits. There is also evidence of human-to-human transmission, particularly among caregivers and family members in close contact with patients.
Symptoms and Global Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that individuals infected with NiV typically experience fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat, which may progress to dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and signs of acute encephalitis. In recent reports, India confirmed two cases of NiV in individuals aged 20 to 30 years old, but the WHO has stated that the risk of the virus spreading beyond that country remains "low."
Despite no confirmed cases in Cebu or other parts of the Philippines as of Sunday, February 1, 2026, the DOH emphasizes that screening protocols and border surveillance are firmly established nationwide. This vigilance is crucial to safeguarding public health and preventing any potential outbreaks.
