Have you felt the weight of the wind these past few days? It seems like every wind carries a warning, it seems like the past that we are trying to forget is whispering again. The wounds of the year 2020 are still fresh in all of us, where the world stopped and our lives changed in an instant.

Now, social media is once again shrouded in fear because of a news that seems like a nightmare that is returning. A video from Sangkay Janjan has shocked many, asking if we are ready for another possible pandemic. The rumor? A virus originating in India that is supposedly spreading.

According to the video, India is currently experiencing an outbreak that has caused great alarm among health officials there. The disease in question is the Nipah Virus, a disease that is no joke and that carries a risk that is said to be even higher than the last one we fought. It is scary to think about the words “lockdown” and “quarantine” again.

The center of the matter is West Bengal in India, where the spread of the said virus has been reported. Although it is said to be under control for now, fear is already on the minds of many. According to the report, several health workers have been infected and more than a hundred people are currently being monitored or quarantined to ensure that it does not spread. For Filipinos, this news brings a strange sense of anxiety. India is not far from the Philippines, and as mentioned in the video, we are on the same continent of Asia. The speed of air travel is also the speed at which any disease can potentially cross. Do you remember how it all started back then with just a news report on TV?

Dr. Ren, who heard about the said report, expressed his opinion on this. According to him, although there are no confirmed cases of Nipah virus in the Philippines at present, it is important to be extra careful. Our neighboring countries have also started to restrict and screen travelers from affected areas.

Nipah virus is described as a “zoonotic” disease. This means that it is transmitted to humans from animals. The main source of transmission is bats. Just think, these creatures that we often see in the provinces or dark places could be carrying this danger.

Bats are not the only ones that can be carriers. It has also been mentioned that pigs, horses, goats, and even domestic dogs and cats can be affected. This increases the level of fear because these animals are close to our homes and livelihoods, especially in the provinces.

If we look back at history, this is not new to the Philippines. In 2014, there was a case of Nipah virus in Sultan Kudarat. The cause was said to be the consumption of horse meat contaminated with the virus. This is a reminder that the threat is real and can happen again.

The symptoms of this disease are truly worrisome because they are very similar to the flu or the disease that caused the pandemic in 2020. Fever, headache, cough, and difficulty breathing are some of the first symptoms. It is difficult to distinguish it from a simple cough and cold, which is why it is more dangerous.

But its more frightening effect is encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. This can lead to coma and, unfortunately, to the death of the patient. This type of complication cannot be treated lightly and requires thorough medical attention that can cause panic in our healthcare system.

The mortality rate or the percentage of those who are not lucky enough to survive this disease is very high. According to experts, it ranges from 40 to 75 percent. Just think, out of every ten people who are affected, seven will possibly lose their lives. There is still no vaccine invented for this, so our only weapon is knowledge.

This has revived discussions about airport restrictions. Many are looking back at the government’s response in 2020. The question for many is: will we ever learn? Will we close the borders immediately or wait for the disease to enter before we act?

Sangkay Janjan himself expressed his thoughts. He said that during the last pandemic, it started with just a few. “One or two,” he said, until the number swelled and became unstoppable. Confidence was our enemy back then. We thought we wouldn’t be caught, but we were wrong.

His reminder serves as a wake-up call to all. Let’s not be complacent. The disease does not choose time or victims. If at first we were surprised, now we must be prepared. Every news should be taken seriously and not just shrugged because the lives of our family are at stake.

On social media, various reactions from netizens poured in. Fear and apprehension were palpable in every comment. Many said they had not yet recovered from the impact of last year, and here we are again facing another test. Our economy still seems fragile, and we may not be able to handle another blow.

“Jusko po, huwag naman sana,” commented a netizen who was clearly shaking with fear. For mothers and fathers who lost their jobs before, this news was like a bomb exploding in their dreams of recovery. The trauma of having nothing to eat and no one to ride is coming back to their memories.

Some netizens also expressed anger and frustration. “Close the airport immediately!” shouted most in the comment section. They do not want a repeat of what happened before when tourists were allowed to enter before the travel ban was implemented. The cry of the people is for action, and not just a plan.

“Stay safe everyone, prayer is the best weapon,” said others. Amidst the fear, the faith of Filipinos remains strong. Many are offering prayers for the safety of the Philippines and the entire world. They believe that with the help of the Almighty, we will overcome this if it ever comes.

Some are also giving reminders about hygiene. “Wash your hands, wear a mask if necessary, and avoid eating exotic animals,” advised health-conscious netizens. Simple precautions go a long way in protecting yourself and your family. There is no need to wait for a government order
The issue of eating bats and other wild animals has also become heated. Many are disgusted and wonder why they need to be eaten when there is other food. This practice causes the virus to be transferred from animals to humans, something that should be stopped.

On the other hand, there are those who say that we should not panic. Panic causes stress that further weakens our immune system. What is needed is accurate information and not fake news. We should listen to experts and not just baseless rumors.

Sangkay Janjan’s video served as a spark to discuss our country’s preparedness again. Do we have enough facilities? Do we have enough medicine and doctors? These questions must be answered by our leaders before it is too late.

The role of the media and content creators in disseminating information is very important. Nowadays, news spreads faster on YouTube and Facebook than on radio. That is why responsible reporting is necessary so as not to cause unnecessary panic among the public.

The Nipah virus outbreak in India is a “wake-up call.” It reminds us that the world has become small because of the speed of travel. Another country’s problem can easily become our problem. Cooperation and unity of each country are needed to suppress any health threat.

If you think about it, it is tiring to be afraid. It’s tiring to worry every day. But this is the reality of our world today. Viruses adapt and evolve, so should we. We can’t remain complacent and just hope for luck. We must be proactive.

Our health workers, our “new heroes,” are once again on the front lines of danger. They are the first to face the threat, and they are also the first to be hit. We must give them support and protection because they are our last defense against disease.

The impact on mental health of such news is also undeniable. Many experience anxiety and depression due to the fear of getting sick or losing a loved one. It is important to have a support system and someone to talk to to ease the burden of feelings.

Ultimately, the question is: What will you do? Will you just let fear consume you, or will you take steps to be prepared? Being prepared is not being paranoid. It is showing love for yourself and others. Simply following health protocols is a big help.

Hopefully this will not continue. Hopefully it will be contained soon in India. Hopefully we will not have to wear face shields and stay home for a few months. Everyone’s prayer is for health and peace of mind.

So Sangkay, and to all who read this, be vigilant. Do not ignore the warnings. Share the information with friends and family so that everyone is aware. Knowledge is power. It is better to be knowledgeable than ignorant in the midst of a crisis.

And don’t forget to pray. In times of uncertainty, faith becomes our support. Let’s pray for our country, our leaders, and every Filipino to keep us away from any harm.

What do you think about this? Are you nervous or do you think others are just reacting OA? Comment below and let’s discuss this properly. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the channel to always be updated on such news. Let’s all take care!