PETALING JAYA: Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the Health Minister of Malaysia, has stated that there have been no animal samples that tested positive for the Nipah virus. This statement is based on the surveillance testing conducted on both wild and domestic animals. Since the Nipah outbreak in 1998-1999, the Ministry of Health has cooperated with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) in conducting this surveillance. Dr Zaliha further added that there have been no new cases of Nipah virus amongst humans in Malaysia since May 27, 1999.
In order to monitor the Nipah virus, surveillance and monitoring have been carried out through passive case detection amongst humans. Samples causing encephalitis, including the Nipah virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, have also been tested for pathogen detection. Dr Zaliha also mentioned that her ministry is keeping a close eye on Nipah cases reported in other countries and collaborating with various agencies, continuously increasing their preparedness.
The Nipah disease was first detected among humans in Malaysia from September 1998 to May 1999, recording 265 cases with 105 deaths. The disease has a mortality rate ranging between 40% to 70% among infected humans, causing brain inflammation (encephalitis) complications and respiratory tract disease. Animals, particularly pigs, may also experience respiratory system disorders and death due to the disease. The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases 1988 Act (Act 342) mandates the notification of this disease.
The incubation period of Nipah disease typically lasts between five to 14 days. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, vomiting, cough, difficulty breathing, convulsions, confusion, and bewilderment. The Nipah virus is naturally hosted by flying foxes/fruit bats from the Pteropodidae family. The virus spreads through an intermediate host, such as pigs, via direct contact or through contaminated food with faeces, urine, and saliva. In humans, infection occurs through direct contact with an infected pig or its bodily fluids and secretions. Consumption of contaminated food, such as fruits or drinks, can also lead to infection. Person-to-person transmission can occur through direct contact with the secretions (blood, body fluids, and respiratory secretions) of infected individuals.
For more information, please visit https://www.infosihat.gov.my/penerbitanmultimedia/garispanduan/item/faq-nipah-virus-niv-infection.html and MyHEALTH Portal.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
