The Department of Health - Center for Health Development in the Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) has been strengthening its referral system and is continuously improving services in health facilities amid zero cases of the Nipah virus. In a virtual presser on Monday, DOH-CHD-1 medical officer Dr. Rheuel Bobis said they are also ensuring adequate supply of personal protective equipment and testing kits so as not to be caught off guard if Nipah virus is detected in the region. Bobis said DOH-1 is monitoring entry points in airports and seaports. 'Para makita if may sintomas at kung may sintomas, kailangan ma-isolate or ma-treat bago papasukin sa bansa (This is to check if a person has symptoms, and if the person has symptoms, he or she needs to be isolated and treated before allowing entry to the country),' he said. Since the virus originated from bats and can be transferred to other animals like pigs and horses, Bobis advised the public to refrain from interacting with horses or pigs which have symptoms. He also advised against going to bat nests and eating fruits where the nests are as well as to wash and cook food well. However, he asked the public not to panic and instead get the facts from reliable news sources. Bobis said Nipah virus' symptoms are like those of the coronavirus disease 2019, including fever, nausea or vomiting, muscle or body aches and cough. 'Isolate yourself if you have these symptoms as the virus could be transferred from human to human through close contact and saliva,' he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
