Nipah virus infection is an emerging zoonotic disease. Fruit bats are the natural host for the virus. The virus is mainly transmitted through direct contact with sick animals via their contaminated respiratory droplets, nasal secretions and tissues. It can also be transmitted via consuming food contaminated with urine, droppings or saliva from infected bats, usually fruits or fruit products (particularly raw date palm sap). Human-to-human transmission is also possible through close contact with contaminated secretions and excretions of infected persons. Such transmission has been reported in patients’ household and healthcare settings.
Patients infected with Nipah virus can be asymptomatic. Early symptoms include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, vomiting, sore throat and muscle aches. Other symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness and a decrease in consciousness. Severe cases may develop complications such as pneumonia, seizure, encephalitis, coma or even death.
The Department of Health reminds the public to take the following measures to reduce infection risk if travelling to Nipah virus-affected areas:
- Avoid contact with wild animals or sick farm animals, especially bats, farmed pigs, horses, domestic and feral cats.
- Avoid areas where bats are known to roost.
- Observe good personal hygiene; wash hands frequently with liquid soap and water, especially after contact with animals or their droppings/secretions, and after taking caring of or visiting sick people.
- Observe food hygiene by thoroughly washing and peeling fruits before consumption. Fruits with signs of bat bites or found on the ground should not be consumed. Avoid drinking raw date palm sap, toddy or other juice.
For more information on Nipah virus infection, please visit the CHP webpage or refer to the information leaflet. The public may also visit the latest Travel Health News, the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel.
Department of Health
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