No Nipah virus in the Philippines, says an infectious diseases doctor
NIPAH VIRUS OUTBREAK Members of a medical team from Kozhikode Medical College carry areca nut and guava fruit samples to conduct tests for Nipah virus in Maruthonkara village in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India on September 13, 2023. (File photo from REUTERS/Stringer)
MANILA, Philippines — Philippines is currently safe from Nipah virus that has resulted in an outbreak in India.
This is the report of infectious diseases doctor and Philippine College of Physicians President Rontgene Solante on Friday.
He is referring to the virus that has killed at least two persons in India.
“For the Nipah virus alone, wala pa tayo, ‘no? So, which means na we need to be vigilant about this,” said Solante in the ‘Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon’ public briefing.
(For the Nipah virus alone, we do not have it yet, right?)
“Although, it may be remote that it can happen here or it will be, iyong mga nakikitang kaso natin sa India, makapasok dito sa Pilipinas,” he noted.
(Although it may be remote that it can happen here or it will be, the cases we see in India will enter the Philippines.)
However, the doctor said seasonal conditions in Philippines and India are similar.
“Kailangan lang nating i-monitor ang mga kaso na ito dahil in any country na nandito ito, kagaya nitong infection na ito, like a tropical country, the Philippines, that will also be a possible scenario,” Solante pointed out.
(We need to monitor this case because in any country where the infection is present, like a tropical country, the Philippines, that will also be a possible scenario.)
He said Nipah disease does not attack the respiratory system like COVID-19 does.
However, it is deadlier, with 50 percent to 70 percent mortality rate.
“This one is that maglagnat ka lang. Tapos, two to three days, medyo humihina na iyong sensorium mo. And then, natutulog ka na lang. And then, that’s it, ‘no?” he said.
(This one is you will have a fever. Then, two to three days, your sensorium will weaken. And then, you will sleep. And then, that is it, right?)
“Huminto na iyong paghinga mo at saka iyong cardiovascular function,” the medical specialist explained.
(Your breathing will stop, as well as your cardiovascular function.)
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