House Deputy Majority Leader Janet Garin made an appeal for accurate information about Nipah virus to be disseminated to the public to prevent panicking as well as to inform the people to take care of their health.

In a report by RH 12 Milky Rigonan, the former Health secretary stated that the cooperation of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) is necessary to launch the aggressive surveillance.

Garin added that from Ebola to Zika, MERSCOV to COVID-19, and now with the alarming existence of Nipah virus, the formation of Surveillance Centers in each DOH regional office should be prioritized.

The House Deputy Majority Leader explained that Nipah or the NiV is not new in the Philippines, as there has already been recorded transmission in the Philippines in 2014 from bats, horses, and humans, particularly those in close contact with infected animals.

She appeals to the public to wash fruits thoroughly, cook vegetables well, not forget to wash hands often, and wear facemasks for added protection.

In an interview with DZRH, Health expert Dr. Tony Leachon also mentioned the case of NiV in the Philippines in 2014.

“Meron tayo several years ago. I think 2014, nagkaroon tayo ng case niyan sa Sultan Kudarat pero di na siya naulit,” he explained.

He also believed that the NiV would not be a global pandemic and reminded the public to take good care of their health and be aware of the symptoms.

“Tingin ko, hindi ito magiging global pandemic. Pero mas magandang mag-ingat tayo para kung mayroong sintomas, alam natin. Kasi walang bakuna,” he said.