Malaysia tightens borders after Nipah virus hits India

PUTRAJAYA - Health surveillance and border controls in Malaysia have been stepped up amid renewed concerns over Nipah virus infections in India, according to the Health Ministry and border control agency.

The health ministry issued a statement on Jan 28 stating that it is intensifying screenings at international entry points while the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) checks for high-risk animal products entering the country.

The ministry said that it would enhance continuous surveillance, including thorough monitoring in the field and strengthening the national laboratory’s capacity to ensure early detection.

Health officials emphasised that the preparedness of health facilities had also been enhanced through the implementation of prevention and control measures, including infection prevention and control practices.

Cross-sector and inter-agency cooperation has also been reinforced to safeguard public health and prevent any re-emergence of Nipah disease, a Bernama report cited the ministry saying.

“Although Malaysia has not reported any cases of Nipah disease since 1999, the ministry remains vigilant against the risk of cross-border transmission following sporadic infections reported in several other countries,” the statement said.

It added that continuous monitoring of Nipah disease had been strengthened through collaboration with the Veterinary Services Department and the Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia Department under the One Health approach.

“To date, no Nipah virus has been detected in domestic or wild animals.”

The ministry advised the ­public, particularly travellers to high-risk areas, to maintain good personal hygiene and avoid contact with sick animals or consuming contaminated products to prevent Nipah virus infection.

Nipah disease is classified as a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act.

Nipah disease is a zoonotic infectious disease resulting from infection with the Nipah virus (NiV), with flying foxes/fruit bats as its natural reservoir.

It added that human infection can occur through contact with body fluids of infected animals, including saliva, blood and secretions, by consuming contaminated food, or through exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals.

Symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, cough, difficulty breathing, seizures, confusion and disorientation typically appear after an incubation period of five to 14 days.

The disease can lead to complications such as encephalitis and respiratory problems, with a mortality rate of between 40 and 75 per cent, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Port Klang AKPS commander Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said the agency will be monitoring the entry of animal products from India.

“We have officers stationed at terminals, including cruise ports, to screen passengers and monitor goods arriving from countries with known health risks, such as India,” he said at a press conference at Port Klang West.

Datuk Nik Ezanee reminded that all imported animal products must meet the veterinary and quarantine requirements set by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department.

Any consignment failing to comply will be detained, investigated and potentially destroyed. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK