The Ministry of Health & Medical Services has reassured the public that Fiji is currently safe from the Nipah virus, emphasizing that the risk to the nation remains low despite recent cases reported abroad. In its statement, the Ministry highlighted two confirmed cases of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, but assured that the situation has been effectively managed.
The Ministry reported that 196 close contacts of the infected individuals have been identified, all of whom have been monitored and tested, showing no symptoms and returning negative results. Moreover, the Ministry noted that there have been no Nipah virus cases linked to this outbreak reported in other countries, with no incidences recorded in China this year.
The World Health Organization has indicated that Nipah outbreaks have occurred in India intermittently since 2001, predominantly in West Bengal and Kerala, with associations to fruit bat populations. The Nipah virus can transmit from infected animals to humans through contaminated food, and in certain cases, through human-to-human contact. Symptoms may vary from mild manifestations such as fever, headache, and vomiting to severe complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, with a high fatality rate ranging from 40% to 75%.
Despite the virus’s severity, the Ministry reassured that there is no immediate threat to Fiji. “The risk to Fiji is low, but anyone who has recently traveled to West Bengal and develops symptoms should seek medical attention immediately,” the statement advised.
The Ministry is committed to closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the World Health Organization and international partners, pledging to keep the public informed should the risk level change. Additionally, the Ministry urged the community to trust official information sources and refrain from spreading misinformation. This proactive approach aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the public while keeping them informed of any developments related to the Nipah virus.