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Surveillance Heightened on Borders as Nipah Virus Threatens Asia
Malaysia has enhanced screenings at ports and strengthened laboratory and field surveillance to prevent Nipah virus spread amid cases reported in India, with a fatality rate up to 75%.
- On Jan 28, Malaysia's Health Ministry announced stepped-up health surveillance and tighter border controls, intensifying screenings at international entry points while Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency checks high-risk animal products.
- Tuesday, India's Health Ministry confirmed two cases of Nipah virus, prompting vigilance as Malaysia has not reported cases since 1999 and WHO labels Nipah a "priority pathogen".
- At Port Klang, AKPS commander Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said officers screen passengers and monitor goods, AKPS monitors animal products meeting quarantine rules, and the Health Ministry strengthens labs and One Health efforts.
- Contact tracing in India found 196 individuals asymptomatic and tested negative, while the World Health Organization warned Nipah can cause economic losses for farmers and Malaysia's ministry advised travellers to avoid sick animals and contaminated food.
- According to the World Health Organization , there is no vaccine or treatment for Nipah, survivors may suffer brain damage, researchers in Queensland found an antibody in July last year, and fatality rates range from 40 to 75%.
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Officials issue urgent warning amid race to contain outbreak of disease with no known cure: 'Intensified surveillance at border points'
Public health agencies and border officials are on high alert after a rare but potentially deadly virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, The Washington Post reported. What's happening? Two cases of Nipah virus have been confirmed, according to an Indian Health Ministry statement Tuesday reviewed by the Post. Nipah virus outbreaks occur cyclically in South Asia and Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangladesh. A November study in the Journal of Inf…
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right5Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Right
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources lean Right
71% Right
L 29%
R 71%
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