The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reassured the public that the country is equipped to handle the Nipah virus (NiV), maintaining that the current risk level remains low despite reported outbreaks in other regions.
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo stated that the Philippines is “not new” to the virus, noting a previous outbreak in 2014 in Sultan Kudarat where 17 cases were documented.
According to Domingo, those cases presented flu-like symptoms, with some patients developing encephalitis (brain swelling) and meningitis after consuming horse meat.
Echoing this sentiment, infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante emphasized in a separate interview with dzBB that while the Philippines is currently at low risk, vigilance is necessary. Solante pointed out that the primary risk group consists of travelers returning from areas with active outbreaks, such as West Bengal, India.
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals—specifically fruit bats and pigs—to humans, or through contaminated food and direct human-to-human contact.
While there is no current evidence of local transmission, the DOH continues to monitor international developments to prevent the re-entry of the disease.
Health officials urge the public to maintain standard hygiene practices and for travelers to remain mindful of health advisories when visiting affected regions.