Nipah Virus Disease Situation and Prevention Guidelines

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Nipah Virus Disease Situation and Prevention Guidelines

About Nipah Virus

Nipah virus is an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. This pathogen can spread to humans through direct contact with secretions or tissues from infected animals, contact with infected patients, and consumption of fruits or agricultural products contaminated by reservoir animals.

In 1998, Nipah virus was first identified as the cause of an encephalitis outbreak in Malaysia. Since 2001, periodic outbreaks have continued to occur in Bangladesh and India.

Current Situation

The latest outbreak was reported as a cluster in West Bengal State, India, on January 11, 2026. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies this disease as a significant communicable disease requiring continuous surveillance and preparedness, it has not yet been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Regarding Thailand, no cases have been detected in humans or pigs through surveillance conducted by the Department of Disease Control and the Department of Livestock Development. However, the virus has been detected in fruit bats, which serve as natural reservoirs. Nipah virus is designated as a dangerous communicable disease under the Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558 (2015), requiring immediate reporting upon detection of patients or suspected cases.

Prevention Guidelines for Nipah Virus Disease

  • Avoid traveling to Nipah virus outbreak areas, particularly West Bengal State, India
  • Avoid contact with animals, especially fruit bats
  • Do not consume fruits that have fallen to the ground, particularly those with bite marks
  • Consume only thoroughly cooked pork
  • Avoid vector risk areas such as caves or areas beneath trees where bats roost
  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Guidelines for Personnel and Students Traveling to India

Pre-Travel Preparation

  • Closely monitor disease situation updates
  • Avoid traveling to areas with reported outbreaks, currently West Bengal State, India
  • Prepare personal protective equipment such as face masks and alcohol-based hand gel

During Stay in India

  • Avoid contact with bats, pigs, and areas where bats inhabit
  • Do not consume fruits that have fallen to the ground, especially those with bite marks, and always wash fruits yourself before consumption
  • Avoid close contact with individuals showing fever or cough symptoms
  • Wear face masks in crowded places
  • Wash hands regularly with soap or alcohol-based gel
  • Avoid sharing personal items with others

After Returning to Thailand

  • Monitor yourself for symptoms for at least 21 days after returning. If you develop fever, headache, cough, or fatigue, seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers of your travel history

Information provided by:
Epidemiology Prevention and Control Unit
Suranaree University of Technology Hospital
Tel. +66 44 376 555 ext. 6126, 6127