The Ministry of Health & Medical Services has assured the public that Fiji is currently safe from the Nipah virus, saying the risk to the country remains low despite recent cases reported overseas.
In a statement, the Ministry confirmed that two Nipah virus cases have been reported in West Bengal, India, but said the situation has been effectively contained.
“Of the 196 close contacts identified, all have been monitored, tested, remain symptom-free and have returned negative results,” the Ministry said.
It added that no cases linked to the current outbreak have been reported in other countries, and that China has reported no Nipah cases this year.
The World Health Organization has confirmed that Nipah outbreaks have occurred periodically in India since 2001, particularly in West Bengal and Kerala, often linked to fruit bat populations.
The Ministry said Nipah virus can spread from infected animals to humans, through contaminated food, and in some cases via human-to-human transmission.
Symptoms can range from mild illness such as fever, headache and vomiting to severe complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, with a fatality rate estimated between 40 and 75 percent.
Despite the seriousness of the virus, the Ministry stressed there is no immediate threat to Fiji.
“The risk to Fiji is low, but anyone who has recently travelled to West Bengal and develops symptoms should seek medical attention immediately,” the statement said.
The Ministry said it continues to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with the WHO and international partners and will update the public should the risk level change.
It also urged the public to rely on official sources of information and to avoid spreading misinformation.
