THE Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday that strict screening protocols against the Nipah virus are being implemented in Philippine airports.
The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), an agency attached to the DOH, maintains substations at the country’s points of entry equipped with infrared thermal scanners to screen arriving passengers.
“Border surveillance is a regular task of the BOQ, whether there is an outbreak or not. Every airport and seaport in the country has substations equipped with infrared thermal scanners, which are monitored by our trained nurses,” said Dr. Roberto Salvador Jr., OIC director IV of the BOQ.
The thermal scanners are used to detect passengers with a temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit).
BOQ spotters are tasked with identifying symptoms in travelers, such as rashes or wounds.
Flagged passengers must undergo a health interview and physical check. Those exhibiting symptoms of Nipah virus infection will be referred to DOH-designated hospitals for further evaluation.
Salvador said that while no extra precautions have been set for travelers coming from India, which recently reported a Nipah virus outbreak, he urged travelers to declare their health status through the eTravel app.
“The eTravel app is a powerful tool in our efforts. It allows us to screen passengers and apply additional safety protocols when necessary,” he said.
He noted that strict monitoring will continue despite the absence of confirmed cases in the country.
“Since the Nipah issue emerged, our 24/7 monitoring has not flagged any suspected cases, even from direct flights from India,” he said.
