The ‘Nipah’ virus has raised significant concerns in recent months. As per information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah Virus (NiV) is categorized as a zoonotic virus, indicating its ability to transfer from animals to humans. It has the potential to propagate through contaminated food or via direct transmission between people. Early indicators of Nipah virus may include fever, headaches, muscle discomfort, vomiting, sore throat, and difficulty in breathing.

On Wednesday afternoon, a Memorandum Order was issued, announcing the suspension of classes in four private schools in Cagayan de Oro City. This decision was prompted by unverified reports concerning the “Nipah Virus”. The Department of Health – Region 10 has confirmed that more than 190 students have exhibited flu-like symptoms within this month. 

To provide some context, there were 10 reported cases on September 11, followed by 19 on September 12, 32 on September 19, 40 on September 20, 49 on September 21, and 42 on September 22. The four private schools have issued advisories temporarily switching their face-to-face elementary, junior high, and senior high school sessions to online classes.

However, on Tuesday, September 26, the DOH–R10 released a statement firmly stating that there are no recorded cases of Nipah Virus (NiV) in the country. While acknowledging instances of students exhibiting flu-like symptoms, the DOH emphasized that these symptoms alone do not provide conclusive evidence linking them to the virus as the causative agent. 

The agency is actively promoting preventive measures, including regular handwashing, proper mask usage, and adherence to minimum public health standards, to ensure that further spread of similar infections is avoided. 

Although the Nipah virus has not been shown to exist in our nation, there is still a chance that it could. This is due to the fact that the virus's evidence has been found in the Pteropus bat species, the known natural reservoir, as well as numerous other bat species in a number of nations, including Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, Thailand, and the Philippines.

At present, there is no conclusive evidence linking the flu-like symptoms observed in Cagayan de Oro to the Nipah virus. Nevertheless, it is crucial to take precautionary measures to prevent any potential outbreak. Stay safe, Escolarians!