FACT CHECK: No DepEd notice of class suspensions due to Nipah virus

Claim: The Department of Education (DepEd) announced the suspension of classes from February 3 to 5, 2026, due to the Nipah virus outbreak in the Philippines.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook page “Philippine Weather Advisory” has been posting claims regarding class suspensions allegedly because of the Nipah virus outbreak in the Philippines. One post, published on February 2, garnered over 270 reactions and 970 shares. Another post received over 120 reactions and 500 shares.

The post’s caption reads, “DepEd Announcement: Walang pasok (no classes) due to the Nipah virus outbreak, classes and work are suspended in selected areas as declared by local government units on Monday, February 3, 2026.”

The post includes alleged links to the list of areas where class suspensions have been declared, and an advisory supposedly issued by Malacañang.

The facts: There is no DepEd announcement of class suspensions supposedly due to the Nipah virus threat. No such advisory was issued by Malacañang, either.

The links included in the post lead to an online shopping website, not to the official DepEd website or any legitimate government website.

Contrary to the claim, the Department of Health (DOH) has clarified that there is no Nipah virus outbreak in the Philippines and, consequently, no basis for class suspensions or lockdowns. (READ: Nipah virus spreads in India. Should PH tighten borders?)

The DOH said border surveillance and screening protocols are in place to prevent the virus from entering and spreading in the country, following reports of two confirmed cases in India.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said, “For the record, wala tayong namo-monitor or nakikita na may sintomas o history ng exposure…Ang India ang nagsabi, na ang kumpirmado lang nila ay dalawang kaso… Ang kanilang contact tracing at isolation ay nakaabot na ng halos 200  kung saan lahat ay nag-test ng negative… Sa pananaw ng India, contained na ito.”

(For the record, we are not monitoring or seeing any symptoms or history of exposure… India has confirmed only two cases… Their contact tracing and isolation efforts reached nearly 200 individuals, all of whom tested negative… In the view of India, the situation is contained.)

Nipah virus: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus transmitted to humans from animals, contaminated food, or through direct person-to-person contact.

People who contract the virus show a wide range of symptoms, such as fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. Others may be asymptomatic, meaning signs and symptoms do not manifest.

While the Nipah virus is not highly transmissible, the case fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%.

Debunked: DepEd has repeatedly warned the public about fake class suspension announcements, usually made using artificial intelligence tools.

The agency reminded the public to visit its official communication channels for legitimate news and updates.

Rappler has previously debunked several false claims regarding class suspensions allegedly due to public health emergencies:

• FACT CHECK: No class, work suspensions because of ‘super flu’ outbreak
• FACT CHECK: No flu outbreak causing lockdown, mandatory face mask use 
• FACT CHECK: No nationwide curfew due to flu-like cases
• FACT CHECK: No news report about Metro Manila lockdown due to mpox
• FACT CHECK: Circulating list of areas under lockdown due to flu-like cases is fake  
• FACT CHECK: No presidential order suspending classes due to influenza-like illness 

– Reinnard Balonzo/Rappler.com 

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