MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said it was prepared for the possible entry of the Nipah virus following reports of an outbreak in India.
DOH Spokesman Albert Domingo told The Manila Times that the Nipah virus was not new to the country.
“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,” said Domingo.
He said that bats were the most common source of this virus, although other animals, such as pigs and horses, can also become infected and transmit the disease.
“It is best to eat meat approved by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and always cook food well,” Domingo urged the public.
