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

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.

Some airports in Asia strengthened their surveillance and health checks after a Nipah virus outbreak was reported in India.

Thailand implemented in some of its airports the same measures it adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among such measures being done in Thailand now are health surveillance and travel checks on travelers from West Bengal, India, which had five cases of Nipah virus infection.

Nepal and Taiwan also implemented stricter measures to prevent the entry of the Nipah virus.

Fruit bats are the source of the Nipah virus infection, which can be passed on to humans and other animals.

Among the symptoms of Nipah virus infection are fever, headache, body pains, vomiting, and sore throat.

The infection may also lead to complications such as severe respiratory problem and encephalitis or inflammation of brain tissue.

The World Health Organization said no vaccine has yet been discovered to combat the Nipah virus.