AN EDUCATION official in Central Visayas said they are making steps to ensure that the children are safe and protected amid the threat of Nipah virus in the country.
"The Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH) said that there is no Nipah cases but even though they said there is none, we should make sure that the kids are protected," said Salustiano Jimenez, director of Department of Education Central Visayas (DepEd 7), on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Jimenez said he has ordered the agency's regional medical officer to coordinate with the schools divisions to keep an eye on learners exhibiting symptoms of possible Nipah virus.
The school divisions in Central Visayas are Bohol Province, Tagbilaran City, Siquijor Province, Bais City, Bayawan City, Canlaon City, Dumaguete City, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Province, Tanjay City, Bogo City, Danao City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu City, Cebu Province, Talisay City, City of Naga, Carcar City, and Toledo City.
Jimenez assurance came after earlier reports that suggested a Nipah virus outbreak among students and school personnel in Cagayan de Oro City in northern Mindanao that resulted in class suspensions.
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, transferring between animals and humans, often carried by fruit bats.
Early symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore
throat. Severe cases can lead to encephalitis, sometimes causing fatalities. It has been identified in India and Malaysia, resulting in illnesses and deaths.
A 2018 World Health Organization report estimates a fatality rate of 40 percent to 75 percent, varying based on local epidemiological surveillance and clinical management capacity during outbreaks.
Jimenez said they have directed the schools superintendents that aside from monitoring the learners, they are also tasked to make sure that safety measures are applied.
"We have to continue our preventive measures, such as washing hands, making sure that food to take is clean and safe, and they sanitize always and to not touch random surfaces," he said.
Jimenez has also instructed parents to isolate and not let their kids go to school when they are feeling some symptoms of the virus, such as cough and fever.
He said modules are available for learners, which is available with them when they feel sick and there are weather disturbances.
He added that they might conduct blended learning if necessary.
Blended learning uses online and offline technologies in tandem, allowing instructors to quickly adopt the latest learning trends and modalities into the curriculum.
On Monday, October 2, Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama Jr., undersecretary for Field Implementation and Coordination Team in Visayas and Mindanao within the Department of Health (DOH), provided assurance to the public that there are no confirmed cases of the Nipah virus in the country.
Dr. Dumama pointed out that there is often confusion between the Nipah virus and the common respiratory syncytial virus, which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
Director Jaime Bernadas of DOH Central Visayas stressed the significance of remaining vigilant and adhering to health and safety measures.
"In light of the previous viral pandemic, we emphasize the importance of personal hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and using protective devices when necessary," he said. (KJF)