AMID an outbreak of the fatal Nipah virus (NiV) in India, the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) said the virus is “rare” and has not been seen in the country since 2014.
“Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it comes from animals. It usually originates from bats, but animals such as pigs and horses can also be infected. This is rare,” DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said in a statement on Monday.
According to Domingo, the NiV was last in the country in 2014 in Sultan Kudarat where 17 cases were logged. Domingo said during that time, the DOH observed the following symptoms: flu, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and inflammation of the brain’s protective layer and the spinal cord (meningitis).
In a 2018 study, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the zoonotic virus’ natural host are fruit bats and the virus may be transmitted not only through animal-contaminated food but also “directly between people.”
There are no available vaccines or drugs specific for the NiV, but intensive support care is recommended for those afflicted with severe respiratory and neurological complications, according to WHO.
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