The Ministry of Health is stepping up national defences by implementing targeted health screenings at all entry points. Travellers arriving from high-risk countries, specifically India and Bangladesh, are being closely monitored for symptoms. These precautionary measures aim to detect potential infections early and prevent the virus from spreading within the local community following recent reports of outbreaks abroad.

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The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease typically transmitted from animals like bats or pigs to humans, though human-to-human transmission is also possible. It is known for its high fatality rate, which can range from 40 to 75 percent. While there is currently no approved vaccine, recent research from the Wuhan Institute of Virology suggests certain COVID-19 drugs might show promise in treatment.

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The Ministry of Health has confirmed that there are currently zero active or new cases of Nipah virus reported in Malaysia. Despite the lack of local infections, health authorities remain on high alert. The government continues to monitor the situation in India closely to ensure that the nation’s health security remains uncompromised by any potential cross-border transmission.

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India has recently confirmed two new cases of the deadly Nipah virus in West Bengal, bringing the total number of infected individuals in the current wave to five. Health officials in India stated that the outbreak is currently being contained, with nearly 200 contacts traced and monitored. Strict quarantine protocols have been established in affected districts to halt further transmission.

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Neighbouring countries across Asia have also heightened their airport security and border checks. Singapore has introduced temperature screenings for flights arriving from affected regions, while Thailand has already screened over 1,700 passengers. Indonesia has similarly intensified its health surveillance at all major entry points to mitigate the risk of the virus entering the archipelago.

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While there is still no licensed vaccine or treatment, a new development has emerged. Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology announced on 26 January 2026 that VV116, an oral drug already approved for COVID-19 in China and Uzbekistan, has shown significant antiviral activity against the Nipah virus in animal trials. However, this remains at the preclinical stage for Nipah and is not yet an approved treatment for it.

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