Nipah virus infections reported overseas

Current status 

Two confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported in West Bengal, India.

Nipah virus has never been detected in Australia. 

We are working closely with other government agencies to monitor the situation.

Australians travelling to areas where Nipah virus has been found are advised to take steps to protect themselves.

About Nipah virus infection

Nipah virus naturally lives in fruit bats but can spread to other animals (especially pigs) and people.

Infections in people are rare but have been reported in:

• Bangladesh
• India
• Malaysia
• The Philippines
• Singapore.

Infections in people can range from no or mild illness, through to severe disease, and can be fatal.

Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms usually appear 4 days to 3 weeks after infection, including:

• fever
• headache
• fatigue
• muscle pain
• vomiting
• cough
• shortness of breath
• sore throat.

Some people develop pneumonia or other respiratory problems.

In severe cases, people can develop symptoms of encephalitis, including:

• drowsiness
• confusion
• sensitivity to light
• neck stiffness.

How it spreads

Nipah virus most often spreads to people through:

• contact with infected animals (especially fruit bats and pigs) or their bodily fluids – including saliva, urine or faeces
• eating fruit or fruit products (especially date palm juice or sap) contaminated with the bodily fluids of infected bats.

Less commonly, Nipah virus can spread between people. This usually happens during close, prolonged contact with an infected person – such as when a healthcare worker is caring for someone who is sick.

Protecting yourself when travelling

There is no vaccine for Nipah virus. But there are steps people can take to prevent being exposed to the virus.

If you are travelling overseas, check Smartraveller and know how to protect yourself from infectious diseases. 

If you’re going to an area where Nipah virus has been detected, you should:

• avoid contact with animals – especially fruit bats and pigs – and areas where bats live
• not eat fruit that might have been in contact with an animal or their bodily fluids – clean and peel fruit yourself before eating it
• not drink raw or fermented date palm juice or sap – this may have been contaminated by fruit bats
• follow good hygiene practices, such as hand hygiene – including after touching animals, visiting people who are sick, or being out in public places
• avoid contact with anybody who is unwell and their bodily fluids.