BY CRIS DIAZ
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: An official of the Department of Health (DOH) in Cagayan de Oro City said that an unknown virus caused illness on students and faculty of some private schools here.
In a statement released to the local media dated Sept. 27, 2023, the health official allayed fear of a Nepah virus while maintaining that the country remains free of the virus.
Acting DOH regional director Ellenietta Gamolo, said that while the ill-stricken students and faculty “exhibited” symptoms of the “viral illness,” it is unclear whether the particular virus has to be blamed.
School officials of private universities and colleges here suspended classes on Wednesday after students and faculty were ill-stricken with an unknown virus.
Local health officials here mounted a city wide surveillance on ill-stricken individuals as the local government issued directives to observe minimal health protocol.
Gamolo said that pigs, horses, and fruit bats, excrement, saliva and blood extract from contaminated animals are sources of the henipahvirus disease, which is transmitted to humans.
Gamolo encourage the public to exercise steps for the prevention of the Nepah disease through hand washing, proper use of face mask, proper ventilation and self-isolation if suspected symptoms are felt.
Fever, cough, head ache, joint pains, vomiting and sore throat are among symptoms of patients with suspected Nepah affliction, Gamolo said.
“If one feels the symptoms, it would be better to see a doctor,” Gamolo said.
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