Press Release - Bong Go raises awareness and reminds Filipinos to remain vigilant versus Nipah virus amid outbreak in other countries

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, called on the Department of Health (DOH) and other relevant agencies to implement stringent measures to prevent the potential spread of the Nipah virus (NiV).

In response to these concerns, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reassured the public that there is no Nipah virus outbreak yet in the country.

"Maraming eskwelahan ngayon are suspending classes or shifting to virtual (classes) because of increasing flu-like illness happening among students. In Cagayan de Oro (City), meron pong nagsuspende ng klase and apparently may kumalat na Nipah virus yung concern. Upon verification with our regional epidemiological and surveillance unit in Northern Mindanao, wala po silang confirmed na Nipah virus in relation dun sa kumakalat na balita," shared Vergeire during the health budget hearing on Thursday, September 28.

"Dito ho sa Pilipinas, wala po tayong detection. Meron po tayo nung huli, noong 2014 sa Sultan Kudarat, where there are a number of individuals in the community na na-detect ito. Pero sa ngayon po, wala tayong nade-detect," the health official reassured.

The Nipah virus, as identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a zoonotic illness that can be transmitted from animals to humans. What sets it apart from other diseases is its high fatality rate, ranging from 50 to 70 percent. This means that it poses a significant risk, affecting three to four out of every five infected individuals.

The primary mode of transmission for Nipah virus infections is direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues. The virus can also be transmitted through unsafe contact with pig secretions and tissues. This highlights the importance of maintaining good hygiene and proper handling practices within the livestock industry.

Meanwhile, outbreaks of the Nipah virus have occurred in countries like Bangladesh and India, where people fell ill after consuming fruits and raw date palm juice contaminated with the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats.

"Mga kababayan ko, nais kong paalalahanan ang kahalagahan ng kalusugan at kaligtasan natin laban sa anumang health