30/01/2026
WHAT IS NIPAH VIRUS?
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen that jumps from animals to humans, mainly from fruit bats, also called flying foxes, and sometimes pigs or horses. People can also spread it through close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or respiratory droplets.
Though serious, infections are rare, and past outbreaks—like those in nearby countries or the Philippines in 2014—were contained quickly with fast medical action and isolation. In Baguio City, there are no confirmed or suspected cases as of date, but health centers are on alert and ready to act.
The Philippines is well-prepared too; the Department of Health (DIH) and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) have clear plans for early testing, hospital infection controls and supportive care since no vaccine exists yet.
To stay safe, avoid touching wild or sick animals, eat only properly inspected and cooked meat, WASH HANDS OFTEN and get checked immediately if you have fever, headache or confusion after animal exposure.
Let’s all stay calm, stick to facts from trusted social media pages like the City Health Services Office, DOH-CAR, or the Baguio General Hospital and ignore rumors causing panic. Health teams are watching closely and will update us if anything changes.
(Source and credits: BCHSO)
