NEW DELHI, Jan 29 — Malaysians travelling to India and those residing in the country are urged to take precautions against Nipah virus infection, said the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi.
It advised those visiting areas with reported cases to wear masks in public places to reduce droplet exposure and avoid crowded areas where possible.
They have also been advised to maintain strict personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing, and to avoid eating unwashed fruit or other food that may be contaminated.
"The High Commission will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide updates as necessary. Malaysian nationals are encouraged to remain informed and take all recommended precautions in the interest of their health and safety," it said in an advisory today.
The High Commission also cautioned against coming in contact with sick animals or individuals showing symptoms like fever, headache, cough, or respiratory distress.
The Indian Health Ministry has confirmed two cases of Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal. On Tuesday (January 27), it reported that the outbreak had been contained.
However, the outbreak has prompted authorities in many Asian countries, including Malaysia, to take measures to screen travellers arriving from India.
Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness transmitted to humans from animals and can spread among people through contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact, according to the World Health Organisation.
The virus can incubate in the human body, typically from four to 14 days, and there is no treatment or vaccine available for humans or animals.
