DOH: Nipah virus ‘rare,’ not in PH since 2014

MANILA, Philippines, February 1 ------ Amid an outbreak of the fatal Nipah virus (NiV) in India, the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) said the virus is “rare” and has not been seen in the country since 2014. “Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it comes from animals. It usually originates from bats, but animals such as pigs and horses can also be infected. This is rare,” DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said in a statement.

According to Domingo, the NiV was last in the country in 2014 in Sultan Kudarat, where 17 cases were logged. Domingo said during that time, the DOH observed the following symptoms: flu, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and inflammation of the brain’s protective layer and the spinal cord (meningitis). “After 2014, the Nipah virus was no longer detected, and the DOH continued to monitor through the Epidemiology Bureau,” Domingo added.

He then reminded that the NiV may be prevented by avoiding bats and other animals with diseases. Domingo also advised consuming well-cooked meat approved by the National Meat Inspection Service. Two individuals have been infected in West Bengal, India, while the 196 people who came in contact with them tested negative, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported on Tuesday. Following this, nearby countries Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have implemented precautionary measures in their major airports, particularly those with passengers arriving from India, a report by The Independent Asia said.

In a 2018 study, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the zoonotic virus’ natural host are fruit bats and the virus may be transmitted not only through animal-contaminated food but also “directly between people.” NiV was first recognized in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia. Bangladesh has also had “nearly annual outbreaks” since 2001, and “periodically” in eastern India.

During consecutive outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, the WHO said the most likely source of infection was “consumption of fruits or fruit products contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats.” “Other regions may be at risk for infection, as evidence of the virus has been found in the known natural reservoir (Pteropus bat species) and several other bat species in a number of countries, including Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand,” the WHO report read.

The initial symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat, which may then become dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. WHO also reported symptoms of atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems. In severe cases, encephalitis, seizures, and progression to coma may occur.

In terms of fatalities, the rate ranges from 40 percent to 75 percent, “depending on local capabilities for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management,” the WHO detailed. On the other hand, those who survive the acute encephalitis make full recoveries, but may have long-term neurological conditions. “Approximately 20% of patients are left with residual neurological consequences such as seizure disorder and personality changes. A small number of people who recover subsequently relapse or develop delayed onset encephalitis,” WHO further said.

There are no available vaccines or drugs specific to the NiV, but intensive support care is recommended for those afflicted with severe respiratory and neurological complications, according to the WHO.

Source: inquirer.net