The Ministry of Health (MOH) is strengthening preparedness measures at international entry points, particularly for travellers arriving from countries deemed at risk following the recent Nipah disease outbreak in West Bengal, India.
In a statement issued today, the MOH said it has intensified continuous surveillance efforts, including enhanced field monitoring and improved national laboratory capacity to ensure early detection of potential cases.
Health facilities nationwide have also heightened readiness through stricter prevention and control measures, including reinforced infection prevention and control practices.
The ministry added that cross-sector and inter-agency cooperation has been strengthened to protect public health and prevent any re-emergence of Nipah disease in Malaysia.
“Although Malaysia has not reported any Nipah cases since 1999, the MOH remains vigilant against the risk of cross-border transmission following sporadic cases reported in other countries,” the statement said.
Monitoring efforts have been bolstered through collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia under the One Health approach. To date, no Nipah virus has been detected in domestic or wild animals.
The MOH advised the public, especially travellers to high-risk areas, to practise good personal hygiene, avoid contact with sick animals, and refrain from consuming potentially contaminated food products.
“Travellers returning from high-risk areas should monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms,” the ministry said.
Nipah disease is classified as a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342). It is a zoonotic illness caused by the Nipah virus, with fruit bats as its natural reservoir.
Human transmission can occur through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, consumption of contaminated food, or exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Symptoms typically appear after an incubation period of five to 14 days and may include fever, headache, vomiting, cough, breathing difficulties, seizures, confusion, and disorientation. Severe cases can lead to encephalitis and respiratory complications, with a reported mortality rate of 40 to 75 per cent.
