No Nipah virus cases in Baguio, health office assures

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Health Services Office has assured residents that there are no confirmed or suspected cases of the Nipah virus in the city.

The CHSO said the city’s health surveillance system remains active to promptly identify potential health threats. District health centers across Baguio are also prepared to respond to any medical emergencies related to the virus.

Despite the absence of cases, health officials urged the public to continue observing preventive measures. The CHSO advised residents to avoid handling dead animals, particularly birds and other potential carriers of the virus.

Residents were also reminded to practice strict food safety and hygiene and to seek immediate medical consultation if symptoms such as fever, severe headache, or confusion develop. The public was further urged to report any known exposure to dead animals to health authorities.

Nipah virus is a bat-borne zoonotic virus that can infect humans and animals and is associated with a high case fatality rate. Outbreaks have previously been recorded in India, Malaysia, and Singapore.

According to the World Health Organization, Nipah virus infections were first reported in 1998 and have since been documented in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The virus has an estimated fatality rate ranging from 40 percent to 75 percent.