MOH Malaysia steps up surveillance and border screening at international entry points amid Nipah risks

Travellers returning from affected regions have been advised to monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has strengthened disease surveillance, border health screening, and inter-agency coordination measures to guard against the risk of Nipah disease, even as the country continues to report no new cases since 1999.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (28 January 2026), MOH said heightened preparedness efforts are being implemented following reports of a Nipah disease outbreak in West Bengal, India, to prevent potential cross-border transmission.

Nipah is a zoonotic infection caused by the Nipah virus (NiV), with fruit bats identified as its natural reservoir. Transmission to humans can occur through direct contact with infected animals or individuals, or through the consumption of contaminated food. Symptoms typically appear within five to 14 days and may include fever, headache, vomiting, respiratory distress, seizures, confusion, and disorientation. Severe cases can lead to encephalitis and respiratory complications, with a reported mortality rate of between 40% and 75%.

MOH noted that Nipah is a notifiable condition under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), with continuous monitoring carried out in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (PERHILITAN) under a 'One Health' approach. To date, no Nipah virus has been detected in domestic or wild animals in Malaysia.

As part of its preventive measures, the ministry has intensified health screening at international ports of entry, particularly for travellers arriving from at-risk countries. Surveillance efforts are also being bolstered through strengthened laboratory capacity, health facility preparedness, infection prevention and control practices, as well as cross-sector and inter-agency collaboration.

MOH also urged the public – especially travellers to high-risk areas – to practise good personal hygiene, avoid contact with sick animals, and refrain from consuming food products suspected to be contaminated. Travellers returning from affected regions have been advised to monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell.

While Malaysia remains free of Nipah disease, MOH stressed that continued vigilance is critical to protecting public health and preventing the re-emergence of the virus.

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