(Bandar Seri Begawan, 29th) The Ministry of Health hereby informs the public about the current status of Nipah virus infection in Brunei. Previously, multiple cases were reported in India.
Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic disease, which can be transmitted to humans from infected animals (such as fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae or pigs).
Consuming food (such as fruit) contaminated by the bodily fluids of these animals may also lead to infection; close contact with infected persons can also result in transmission.
The first outbreak of Nipah virus was detected in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore and was linked to contact with infected pigs. Since then, no further cases have been reported in those two countries.
However, since 2001, Bangladesh and India have both reported outbreaks of Nipah virus, linked to the transmission by fruit bats through contaminated fruits or raw date palm sap.
As of 2025, Bangladesh has reported a total of 347 cases and India 107 cases.
The early symptoms of Nipah virus infection are non-specific and may resemble those of other viral infections, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat.
The infection can also progress to acute encephalitis, causing dizziness, seizures, changes in consciousness, or coma. Some patients may also experience respiratory distress.
Nipah virus infection has a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment. Care is limited to supportive therapy.
As of January 26, 2026, West Bengal, India, has reported 5 new Nipah virus cases since mid-January this year; all cases involve healthcare workers.
However, only 2 cases have been confirmed by laboratory testing, and the status of the other cases is still unclear. These patients are under close monitoring and treatment, and all identified close contacts have been quarantined. However, the source of infection is still unknown and investigations are ongoing.
To date, Brunei has not reported any Nipah virus infection cases.
According to WHO's risk assessment, given there is currently no evidence of sustained transmission in all affected countries, the risk of infection in Brunei remains low.
As a primary preventive measure, the public is advised to take the following precautions:
Avoid consuming fruit that may be contaminated, including raw date palm sap; avoid contact with sick animals; and avoid direct contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids.
Additionally, the public is encouraged to maintain good personal hygiene practices, including: i. frequently washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (especially before handling food, before eating, after using the toilet, or after coughing or sneezing); ii. following cough and sneeze etiquette, and if you have respiratory symptoms, especially in enclosed or crowded places, wear a mask; iii. covering your mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of the tissue immediately in the bin; iv. avoiding close contact with people who are sick, feeling unwell, or showing symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
If symptoms persist or worsen, please seek medical attention immediately; always maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Travelers heading to areas with Nipah virus infections are advised to remain vigilant, follow the above health precautions, and inform medical staff of their travel history when seeking treatment.
The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation in Brunei and developments at the regional and global levels. The Ministry is also taking steps to ensure continued preparedness in providing medical services.
The Ministry of Health will keep the public updated on the latest developments in due course.
For the latest information, the public can follow the Ministry's official social media account @mohbrunei or call the Health Advice Line at 148.
Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic disease, which can be transmitted to humans from infected animals (such as fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae or pigs).
Consuming food (such as fruit) contaminated by the bodily fluids of these animals may also lead to infection; close contact with infected persons can also result in transmission.
The first outbreak of Nipah virus was detected in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore and was linked to contact with infected pigs. Since then, no further cases have been reported in those two countries.
However, since 2001, Bangladesh and India have both reported outbreaks of Nipah virus, linked to the transmission by fruit bats through contaminated fruits or raw date palm sap.
The early symptoms of Nipah virus infection are non-specific and may resemble those of other viral infections, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat.
The infection can also progress to acute encephalitis, causing dizziness, seizures, changes in consciousness, or coma. Some patients may also experience respiratory distress.
Nipah virus infection has a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment. Care is limited to supportive therapy.
As of January 26, 2026, West Bengal, India, has reported 5 new Nipah virus cases since mid-January this year; all cases involve healthcare workers.
However, only 2 cases have been confirmed by laboratory testing, and the status of the other cases is still unclear. These patients are under close monitoring and treatment, and all identified close contacts have been quarantined. However, the source of infection is still unknown and investigations are ongoing.
To date, Brunei has not reported any Nipah virus infection cases.
According to WHO's risk assessment, given there is currently no evidence of sustained transmission in all affected countries, the risk of infection in Brunei remains low.
As a primary preventive measure, the public is advised to take the following precautions:
Avoid consuming fruit that may be contaminated, including raw date palm sap; avoid contact with sick animals; and avoid direct contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids.
Additionally, the public is encouraged to maintain good personal hygiene practices, including: i. frequently washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (especially before handling food, before eating, after using the toilet, or after coughing or sneezing); ii. following cough and sneeze etiquette, and if you have respiratory symptoms, especially in enclosed or crowded places, wear a mask; iii. covering your mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of the tissue immediately in the bin; iv. avoiding close contact with people who are sick, feeling unwell, or showing symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
If symptoms persist or worsen, please seek medical attention immediately; always maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Travelers heading to areas with Nipah virus infections are advised to remain vigilant, follow the above health precautions, and inform medical staff of their travel history when seeking treatment.
The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation in Brunei and developments at the regional and global levels. The Ministry is also taking steps to ensure continued preparedness in providing medical services.
The Ministry of Health will keep the public updated on the latest developments in due course.
For the latest information, the public can follow the Ministry's official social media account @mohbrunei or call the Health Advice Line at 148.