MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday assured the public that there have been no recorded infections of the deadly Nipah virus in Cagayan de Oro.
Through its Center for Health Development (CHD) in Northern Mindanao, the DOH made the pronouncement amid reports of the virus spreading in Cagayan de Oro.
“We would like to correct this misinformation. The DOH officially maintains that there are no Nipah Virus cases in the nation,” the CHD said.
The CHD explained that while there are cases of both faculty and students in Cagayan de Oro exhibiting similar symptoms, no specific virus has yet to be identified as the cause.
According to the DOH, the Nipah virus is transmitted between animals or animals to humans. This means individuals coming into contact with infected animals or their body fluids risk contracting the disease.
The department then reminded the public to always use protective gear like goggles, face masks, and boots when interacting with animals like pigs, horses, and fruit-eating bats.
The public was also advised to avoid sick animals, stay away from bat nests and avoid interacting with pigs and horses, throw away fruit that has been bitten by bats and avoid eating fruit near places where bats have their nests, and ensure that food is clean and well-prepared.
“Furthermore, the DOH advocates for preventive steps like hand washing, proper mask use, proper ventilation, isolation of self if with symptoms, and other minimal public health requirements to prevent the spread of more infections of a similar nature,” the DOH said.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, joint pain, vomiting, and sore throat are advised to visit the closest healthcare facility, seek consultation, and not to self-medicate.
To recall, a health expert previously said that it is unlikely for the deadly Nipah virus to reach the country’s shores.
So far, no cases of the Nipah virus have so far been detected in the Philippines.
Fears revolving around the said virus recently spread after India’s southern state of Kerala recorded two deaths from the rare and deadly brain-damaging Nipah virus, forcing it to shut down schools and offices to halt its spread.
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