DOH Confirms Philippines Prepared for Nipah Virus Amid Cases in India

 

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday assured the public that the Philippines is ready to respond to the Nipah virus, citing strengthened surveillance systems and updated response protocols amid recent outbreaks abroad.

In a statement, the DOH said the Nipah virus is a rare zoonotic disease—one that originates from animals—primarily carried by fruit bats. Other animals, including pigs and horses, can also become infected and transmit the virus to humans.

The virus was first detected in Malaysia in 1998 and later in Singapore in 1999, with outbreaks successfully contained. Seasonal outbreaks have since been reported in Bangladesh and India.

Recently, five confirmed Nipah virus cases were reported in West Bengal, India, with around 100 close contacts under monitoring by local health authorities.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo emphasized that the Nipah virus is not new to the Philippines. “This was seen in 2014 in Sultan Kudarat, where 17 cases were recorded,” he said, adding that patients initially showed flu-like symptoms while some developed serious conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis.

According to Domingo, infections in 2014 were linked to the consumption of horse meat and close contact with infected individuals. Since then, no further cases have been reported in the country.

The DOH Epidemiology Bureau continues to maintain ongoing surveillance. Updated guidelines on Nipah virus prevention, detection, and response were issued in 2023 to ensure readiness.

“The DOH Bureau of Quarantine continues to monitor all airports and ports, 24 hours a day, with or without Nipah virus news,” Domingo said.

The DOH advised the public to avoid contact with bats and sick animals, ensure meat products are approved by the National Meat Inspection Service, and always cook food thoroughly.

The health department reiterated its call for calm, stating that it is closely monitoring global developments and is prepared to respond should any suspected case arise in the Philippines.