Malaysia’s MOH steps up surveillance at borders and labs after Nipah virus cases in India, advising travellers to maintain hygiene and avoid sick animals.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health is intensifying health screenings at all international entry points following a Nipah disease outbreak in West Bengal, India.
Enhanced surveillance focuses on travellers from at-risk countries to ensure early detection of the virus. The ministry is also strengthening national laboratory capacity and field monitoring.
Health facility preparedness has been boosted through reinforced infection prevention and control measures. Cross-sector cooperation with other agencies has been increased to safeguard public health.
“Although Malaysia has not reported any cases of Nipah disease since 1999, the MOH remains vigilant against the risk of cross-border transmission,” the ministry said in a statement.
Continuous monitoring is being conducted in collaboration with veterinary and wildlife departments under the One Health approach. No Nipah virus has been detected in domestic or wild animals to date.
The public, especially travellers to high-risk areas, are advised to maintain good personal hygiene. They should avoid contact with sick animals or consuming contaminated products.
Travellers from affected regions should monitor their health and seek immediate treatment if unwell. Nipah disease is a notifiable disease under Act 342.
The zoonotic disease originates from fruit bats, which are its natural reservoir. Human infection can occur through contact with infected animals’ body fluids or contaminated food.
Symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting and confusion appear after an incubation period of five to 14 days. Complications can include encephalitis and respiratory problems.
The disease has a mortality rate of between 40% and 75%.
