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Colorized transmission electron micrograph of mature extracellular Nipah virus particles 

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Colorized transmission electron micrograph of mature extracellular Nipah virus particles (red) near the periphery of an infected VERO cell (blue). Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID




Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17696698173011769669815263.jpeg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Colorized transmission electron micrograph of mature extracellular Nipah virus particles (red) near the periphery of an infected VERO cell (blue). Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. <em>Credit: NIAID</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — The outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India has revived stronger border surveillance in several countries in Asia. </p><p>In the Philippines, it brings back the collective fear of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/1/26/what-is-the-nipah-virus-outbreak-in-india-and-why-is-it-taken-seriously-1751">What is the Nipah virus outbreak in India, and why is it taken seriously?</a></div><p>But the agency assured that <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/1/28/doh-why-nipah-virus-outbreak-is-unlikely-in-metro-manila-1335">it doesn&#x27;t see the same thing happening</a> with Nipah virus. </p><p>Health authorities stress that correct information and preparation is key to curb the spread of the Nipah virus. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>WHAT IS NIPAH VIRUS? <br/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans.</p><p>The World Health Organization (WHO) first identified the pathogen in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore.</p><p>Its natural host is the fruit bat, which carries the virus without getting sick. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/1/28/nipah-virus-india-says-only-2-cases-confirmed-as-fears-rise-1114">Nipah virus: India says only 2 cases confirmed as fears rise</a></div><p>But the virus does not stay in bats alone and can infect other livestock and animals like pigs horses, goat, sheep as well as domestic animals like cats and dogs.</p><p>During the 1999 outbreak, the WHO said pigs played a major role in spreading the virus, as they are highly contagious during the incubation period, which lasts 4 to 14 days.</p><p>Humans can become infected through several ways including direct contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated food and exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals</p><div> </div><div><strong>NIPAH VIRUS IN THE PHILIPPINES</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tMjs3epfZFg?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span> </div><p>The Philippines recorded Nipah virus cases in Mindanao in 2014, particularly in Sultan Kudarat. </p><p>Health spokesperson Albert Domingo explained that transmission occurred after people consumed infected horse meat.</p><p>This confirms that local transmission is possible when animal-to-human exposure occurs. </p><p>Domingo said that since cases of Nipah virus were logged 12 years ago, the country has yet to record new cases of the infection.</p><div> </div><div><strong>SYMPTOMS OF NIPAH VIRUS</strong></div><div> </div><p>Health authorities say early symptoms of Nipah virus can look like common illnesses, such as:</p><div><br/></div><ul style="list-style-type:circle"><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Cough</li><li>Difficulty breathing</li></ul><div> </div><p>But what makes Nipah especially dangerous is that it can cause encephalitis or the swelling of the brain. </p><p>This may lead to confusion, seizures, coma, long-term neurological damage and even death.</p><div> </div><div><strong>WHY IS NIPAH VIRUS CONSIDERED DANGEROUS?</strong></div><div> </div><p>The Nipah virus has a high mortality rate ranging between 40 to 75 percent. </p><p>Unlike other pathogens, there is also no vaccine and no specific anti-viral treatment for it. </p><p>Caring for Nipah-infected patients only involves managing their symptoms and possible complications.</p><p>Despite this, the DOH said the country is prepared for the possibility that the Nipah virus may again reach Philippine shores.</p><p>The DOH has updated national guidelines for Nipah virus preparedness, especially in terms of identifying high-risk areas, wildlife and event-based surveillance, airport screenings, passenger health monitoring and e-travel declarations.</p><p>Thermal scanners and health questionnaires on travel declarations help identify whether travelers have been in countries with outbreaks and if they have symptoms.</p><div> </div><div><strong>NIPAH VIRUS INFECTION IS PREVENTABLE<br/></strong></div><div> </div><p>Like all communicable illnesses, infection from the Nipah virus is preventable.</p><div><u>DOH guidelines lay down effective ways to avoid the infection:</u></div><div> </div><div><strong>Animal-to-human:</strong></div><div><br/></div><ul style="list-style-type:circle"><li>Limit bat access to palm sap and fresh food products</li><li>Use protective clothing when handling sick animals</li><li>Safe slaughtering and culling procedures</li></ul><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Human-to-human:</strong></div><div><br/></div><ul style="list-style-type:circle"><li>Early detection</li><li>Isolation</li><li>Proper infection control in healthcare settings</li><li>Accurate health reporting during travel</li></ul><div> </div><div><br/></div><p>As news of the the Nipah virus continues to make headlines, health experts emphasized that preparedness, not panic, is the solution.</p><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tMjs3epfZFg?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" 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<p>The outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India has revived stronger border surveillance in several countries in Asia. </p>

The outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India has revived stronger border surveillance in several countries in Asia.

What are the symptoms of Nipah virus and how can you protect yourself from it?

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What are the symptoms of Nipah virus and how can you protect yourself from it?

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 29, 2026 03:48 PM PHT

Read More:

Nipah Virus

India

Philippines

Department of Health

Albert Domingo

World Health Organization

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