THE Department of Health (DOH) assured the public on Sunday morning that there are no recorded cases of the Nipah virus in the country and that safeguards are in place to prevent its entry.
Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo stated that the Philippines is among countries, including Thailand and Taiwan, that are heightening efforts to prevent the virus from entering its borders. He noted that India, which has confirmed two cases, has contained the outbreak through contact tracing and isolation.
Domingo explained that the Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted through contact with infected fruit bats or consumption of undercooked meat from uncertain sources. He emphasized that the DOH is preparing for potential spread to other countries.
Dedicated nurses at Ninoy Aquino International Airport are observing arriving passengers for signs and symptoms, and terminal cameras are equipped to read temperatures. New arrivals are also required to fill out e-Travel documents within 72 hours to determine their travel history.
Domingo urged the public not to panic if experiencing common symptoms like fever, body aches, or colds, as these do not automatically indicate Nipah virus infection. He advised those with travel history or contact with bats or other forest animals to seek medical attention. The DOH has isolation rooms in hospitals and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.
