President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed health authorities to maintain heightened vigilance against infectious diseases, including the Nipah virus, as the Department of Health (DOH) continues to monitor reports of renewed detections abroad.
In line with the President’s directive to safeguard public health, the DOH said the Bureau of Quarantine remains on alert for the Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease associated with severe respiratory illness and encephalitis.
The department said it is continuously updating its health and border protocols based on the latest guidance from the World Health Organization, following the President’s instruction to ensure the country’s preparedness against emerging health threats.
Under existing measures, arriving passengers undergo on-arrival thermal scanning, trained observation by quarantine personnel, and a thorough evaluation of online health declaration forms, the DOH said.
The agency also stated it is strengthening its information campaign as part of the administration’s push to keep the public informed.
The campaign highlights common symptoms of the Nipah virus, including fever, headache, and difficulty breathing.
The DOH added that the virus may be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals such as bats and pigs, or through exposure to contaminated fruit.
