MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reassured the public Monday that the Nipah virus (NiV) is rare and has not been seen in the Philippines since 2014.
“Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it comes from animals. It usually originates from bats, but pigs and horses can also be infected. This is rare,” said DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo. The last Philippine outbreak, in Sultan Kudarat, recorded 17 cases.
Domingo said symptoms include fever, flu-like signs, encephalitis, and meningitis. He advised avoiding contact with bats and consuming only well-cooked meat.
The statement comes amid a new NiV outbreak in West Bengal, India, where two cases were confirmed. Neighboring countries, including Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan, have stepped up airport screenings for travelers from India.
The World Health Organization notes that NiV spreads through contaminated animal products or direct human-to-human contact. Fatality rates range from 40% to 75%, and survivors may face long-term neurological issues. No vaccine or specific treatment currently exists, though intensive supportive care is recommended for severe cases.