Commission on Health Care of Archdiocese of Lipa

02/02/2026

Happy birthday our dear ArchB Gilbert! 🎂
Sending our prayers and love! ♥️
- Commission on Health Care-

01/02/2026

As host parish for the event on February 07, 2026 as the archdiocese celebrates World Day of the Sick 2026…
Salamat Parish Healthcare Committee- Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion, Batangas City.

01/02/2026

31/01/2026

🟣 Nipah Virus Infection – Causes, Spread, Symptoms & Prevention

What is Nipah Virus?

→ Nipah virus is a zoonotic RNA virus (from the Henipavirus family)
→ It spreads from animals to humans, and sometimes human to human
→ It can cause severe brain infection (encephalitis) and serious breathing problems
→ Fatality rate is high (about 40–75%) in reported outbreaks

🟣 Where does Nipah virus come from?

→ Natural reservoir: Fruit bats (Pteropus bats)
→ Virus is present in bat saliva, urine, and droppings

People can get infected by:

→ Eating fruits contaminated by bats
→ Drinking raw date palm sap contaminated by bat secretions
→ Close contact with infected pigs (amplifying host)
→ Direct contact with infected people (caregivers, family members)

🟣 How does Nipah spread?

→ Animal to human:
→ Contaminated fruit or raw date palm sap
→ Contact with infected pigs

→ Human to human:
→ Close contact with body fluids (saliva, respiratory secretions, urine, blood)
→ Respiratory droplets during close care (not efficiently airborne like COVID)

Important:
→ Nipah does NOT spread easily in the community
→ Requires close and prolonged contact

🟣 Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 4–14 days after exposure

🧠 Neurological (brain-related):
→ Fever
→ Headache
→ Confusion
→ Seizures
→ Encephalitis
→ Coma (in severe cases)

🫁 Respiratory:
→ Cough
→ Shortness of breath
→ Acute respiratory distress

🤢 General:
→ Muscle pain
→ Vomiting
→ Extreme weakness

🟣 Serious Complications

→ Acute encephalitis (brain swelling)
→ Respiratory failure
→ Multiorgan dysfunction
→ High risk of death if untreated

🟣 Prevention (No specific cure or vaccine)

→ Avoid raw date palm sap
→ Wash fruits thoroughly before eating
→ Avoid sick animals and animal carcasses
→ Practice good hand hygiene
→ Use masks and PPE during outbreaks
→ Isolate infected patients early
→ Supportive hospital care is currently the only treatment

Early detection + isolation greatly reduces spread.

🟣 Key Medical Facts (Simple Summary)

→ Nipah is deadly but spreads slowly
→ Needs close contact to infect
→ Main danger is brain infection
→ No approved vaccine yet
→ Prevention is the best protection

⚕️ Medical Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment.

20/01/2026

Warmest congratulations to Fr. Jonas Palmares on his inspiring journey of faith and service! Born in Lipa City, he was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Ricardo Vidal on November 20, 1991. He generously served the Archdiocese of Lipa for many years, notably as secretary to the archbishop and chancellor from 1998 to 2009.

In 2010, Fr. Jonas courageously embraced a new calling to the contemplative life by entering Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina. He made his solemn profession as a Trappist monk on December 3, 2016, committing himself fully to a life of prayer, simplicity, work, and hospitality in accordance with the Rule of St. Benedict.

As he continues this beautiful vocation, we join Archbishop Gilbert Garcera in praying for Fr. Jonas—that the Lord may grant him the grace to faithfully shepherd his community, deepen the monastery’s witness of contemplative life, and serve the wider Church with generosity and peace. Congratulations, Fr. Jonas, and thank you for your inspiring yes to God’s call!

31/12/2025

25/12/2025

In his Christmas message, CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa urged Filipinos to hold on to hope and unity, saying Christ’s coming brings joy and calls people to pray and work for peace.

23/12/2025

09/12/2025

05/12/2025

December 05, 2025 The Commission greets Ms Debbie Jaurigue as she celebrates her birthday today!

We thank you for your dedicated service as Program Admin for our Malusog na Baga, Matatag na Katawan (MBMK) Program and one of our ALERT staff.

Happy bday Ms Debbie and we love you. ♥️

Be happy Be holy Be Healthy!
Commission on Health Care

01/12/2025

The Archdiocese of Lipa joyfully offers its prayerful greetings to our Archbishop, Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, DD, as he begins his service today as the new President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

We entrust Archbishop Garcera to the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit as he leads the bishops of our nation and accompanies the People of God in the journey toward Christ.

Congratulations our ArchB Gilbert! May the Lord bless your new mission and grant you wisdom, courage, and grace.