PETALING JAYA: Vigilance over health screenings at border entry points in Malaysia has been upped with the outbreak of the Nipah virus in India.
Earlier this week, news reports from India said five people have contracted the virus in the West Bengal state, leaving one of them in serious condition.
First discovered in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Negri Sembilan, in 1998, the Nipah virus (Henipavirus nipahense) is a bat-borne virus that can cause infections in both humans and other animals, with high mortality rates (starting from 40%).
In a statement yesterday, the Health Ministry (MOH) has given its assurance that border health control measures are constantly kept, following the Indian cases.
MOH said it is actively verifying the reports through official channels, including engaging the World Health Organisation and communicating with relevant authorities.
“Any public health measures will be decided based on confirmed information and careful risk assessment, in line with national policies,” it said.
The MOH also emphasised that public health preparedness at points of entry, including international airports, seaports and land border crossings, remains in accordance with established protocols.
Among the measures being taken are health surveillance and risk-based screening of travellers, clear referral pathways for those with symptoms or suspected illness, and operational readiness of emergency medical teams in line with infectious disease guidelines, it said.
The ministry also added that measures will be scaled up proportionately in accordance with evolving risk assessment and official epidemiological updates.
The Nipah outbreak can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, contaminated food or from person-to-person.
