PH prepared for Nipah virus, says DOH

The Philippines is not new to Nipah virus and the country is ready for it and other diseases, according to the Department of Health.

In a statement, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said Nipah virus was seen in 2014 in Sultan Kudarat, where 17 cases were reported.

“The symptoms were flu, but some also had swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and meningitis. These were acquired by eating horse meat and being in contact with a sick person,” he said.

He also added that NiV was no longer seen in the country after 2014 but the DOH continues to monitor it through the Epidemiology Bureau.

"The Department of Health (DOH) is ready for the Nipah virus and other diseases. In fact, this is not new to us," Domingo said.

What is Nipah virus?

According to the World Health Organization, NiV is a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted from contaminated food or between people.

In the Philippines, WHO reported that some bat species were found to be at risk of NiV infection.

Other animals, such as pigs and horses, may also be infected with NiV.

First recognized in Malaysia in 1999 and Bangladesh in 2001, the virus can cause different types of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis, as well as severe disease in animals.

Nearly annual outbreaks have been reported in Bangladesh since 2001, and it has also been periodically identified in eastern India.

“It infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people, making it a public health concern,” WHO shared.

Currently, there are 5 confirmed NiV cases in West Bengal, India, with 100 close contacts now being identified and cared for.

The most common source of the NiV are fruit bats, but domestic animals may still be infected.

Infected people may initially exhibit the following:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Vomiting
• Sore Throat.
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Altered Consciousness
• Neurological Signs that indicate acute encephalitis

In severe cases, encephalitis and seizures may occur and lead to a coma within 24 to 48 hours.

NiV incubates between 4 to 14 days, but may extend to 45 days.

“The case fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%. This rate can vary by outbreak depending on local capabilities for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management,” WHO reported.

NiV is difficult to diagnose as the initial symptoms are non-specific, and they are mostly diagnosed through laboratory testing and clinical history during the acute and convalescent phase of the disease.

Currently, no treatment is available for NiV.

“WHO has identified Nipah as a priority disease for the WHO Research and Development Blueprint.  Intensive supportive care is recommended to treat severe respiratory and neurologic complications,” WHO added.

Protection against NiV

DOH said that they continue to monitor and protect the country from the Nipah virus.

Domingo said, in 2023, the Health Department under Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, released updated guidelines on how to respond to the Nipah virus.

The guidelines included extensive biosafety considerations on sample collection, testing, and diagnosis.

Domingo also advised the public to avoid bats or other sick animals, and especially being careful with meat being consumed.

“It is best to eat meat approved by the National Meat Inspection Service or NMIS, and always cook food well,” he said.

Some airports in Asia strengthened their surveillance and health checks after a Nipah virus outbreak was reported in India, according to a report on Saksi on Tuesday.—AOL, GMA Integrated News