No Confirmed Nipah Virus Cases in Philippines, Department of Health Reports

In a swift response to viral misinformation, the Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that there are no recorded cases of Nipah virus in the Philippines, contradicting claims that have spread rapidly on social media in recent days.

A Facebook post that has garnered over 1.2 million views since January 31 falsely claimed that the deadly virus had reached Philippine shores. The post, which has been shared more than 4,300 times, featured what appears to be an AI-generated image showing distressed residents and emergency workers in protective gear carrying patients on stretchers, with text declaring “Nipah virus! Nagkameron na sa Pinas!” (Nipah virus! There are already cases in the Philippines!).

The post also advised Filipinos not to drink tap water between 6 pm and 2 am until February 6, baselessly claiming that “something” would be mixed into the water supply that could cause infection with the virus.

The DOH categorically refuted these claims in a video statement released on February 4. Health officials emphasized that the Bureau of Quarantine is vigilantly monitoring all ports of entry to prevent the virus from entering the country, particularly in light of confirmed cases in India.

Philippines health authorities noted that the country has remained free of Nipah virus since 2014, when an isolated outbreak occurred in Sultan Kudarat where 17 individuals contracted the disease after consuming horse meat and coming into contact with an infected person.

Digital forensic analysis of the viral image revealed it was almost certainly AI-generated, with AI detection tool SightEngine identifying it as 99% likely to be artificial. The Google Gemini logo visible in the corner further confirms its synthetic origin.

The misleading post appears timed to exploit public anxiety following news of a genuine Nipah outbreak in India’s West Bengal State that began in December 2025. According to the World Health Organization, two nurses at a private hospital in Barasat developed symptoms and subsequently tested positive for the virus. Indian health authorities have been monitoring 196 close contacts, all of whom have tested negative.

Nipah virus represents a serious public health concern where it does occur. Classified as a zoonotic virus, it can be transmitted from animals to humans, through contaminated food, or via direct human-to-human contact. The virus has an alarming mortality rate of 40% to 75%, according to health experts.

Infection typically produces symptoms within 3 to 14 days, though incubation periods as long as 45 days have been reported. Common symptoms include fever, headache, confusion, breathing difficulties, cough, chills, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the virus can cause encephalitis (brain swelling), which can be fatal.

While most survivors recover completely, approximately 20% experience persistent neurological complications.

Public health officials continue to urge Filipinos to seek information from credible sources and to verify claims before sharing them on social media platforms. The DOH maintains regular monitoring of potential public health threats and issues timely advisories when genuine concerns arise.

Health authorities emphasize that vigilance at border entry points remains a key strategy in preventing the introduction of the virus to the Philippines, particularly as they maintain close communication with international health organizations regarding the ongoing situation in India.