Nipah Virus: Malaysians Travelling To India Urged To Take Precautions

NEW DELHI, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysians travelling to India and those residing in the country are urged to take precautions against Nipah virus infection, the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi said on Thursday.

It advised those visiting areas with reported Nipah virus cases to wear masks in public places to reduce droplet exposure and avoid crowded areas where possible.

They have also been advised to maintain strict personal hygiene, including frequent hand-washing, and to avoid eating unwashed fruits or food that may be contaminated.

"The High Commission will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide updates as necessary. Malaysian nationals are encouraged to remain informed and take all recommended precautions in the interest of their health and safety," the advisory said.

It cautioned against coming in contact with sick animals or individuals showing symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, or respiratory distress.

The Indian Health Ministry has confirmed two cases of Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal. On Tuesday, it reported that the outbreak had been contained.

However, the outbreak has prompted authorities in many Asian countries, including Malaysia, to take measures to screen travellers arriving from India.

Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to humans from animals, and it can spread among people via contaminated food or directly from human-to-human contact, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The virus can incubate in the human body, typically from 4 to 14 days, and there is no treatment or vaccine available for humans or animals.
-- BERNAMA