In response to the increasing number of Nipah Virus cases abroad, we are intensively coordinating with the Denpasar Class I Health Quarantine Center regarding surveillance within the airport environment. All airport personnel are committed to strict and comprehensive surveillance to prevent Nipah Virus transmission in the arrivals area.
“To monitor the Nipah Virus, two thermal scanners are installed at international arrivals, one at domestic arrivals, and one unit is on standby at the VIP terminal. If a passenger exhibits symptoms, the BBKK will refer them to the Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar,” said Spokesperson: Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi (Communication and Legal Division Head PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia Bandara Internasional I Gusti Ngurah Rai) on Wednesday (January 28th).
For passengers flying to and from Bali, we urge you to maintain your health and monitor the latest developments regarding the Nipah virus for the safety and comfort of all.
Passengers who experience deteriorating health and exhibit early symptoms of the Nipah virus, such as fever, are advised to immediately contact the nearest airport authority or the BBKK (National Animal Health Insurance) officer at the airport.
What is the Nipah Virus?
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. This virus belongs to the genus Henipavirus and the family Paramyxoviridae. It was first identified in 1998 in Malaysia during an outbreak among pig farmers.
Since then, the Nipah virus has remained a global concern due to its pandemic potential and high mortality rate.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection can cause severe illness in humans, ranging from respiratory infections to fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
To date, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Nipah virus infection, so prevention is key.
How the Nipah Virus is Transmitted
The Nipah virus spreads through several main routes:
Animal-to-human: Direct contact with infected animals, especially fruit bats and pigs. Pig farmers and people who frequently interact with animals are at high risk of infection.
Contaminated food: Consuming food products exposed to the bodily fluids of infected animals, such as raw coconut sap collected near bat habitats or fruit bitten by bats.
Human-to-human: Close contact with bodily fluids (blood, urine, saliva, or respiratory secretions) from an infected person. This transmission often occurs in hospital or family settings.
Various Nipah Virus Symptoms to Recognize
The incubation period for symptoms to appear after exposure to the Nipah virus is approximately 4–14 days. Initial symptoms of Nipah virus infection can resemble those of the common flu. Then, as the infection progresses, severe symptoms develop due to inflammation and swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and even death.
After the incubation period is over, initial symptoms appear, which can last for 3–14 days. The symptoms that may appear are as follows:
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If the infection persists, severe and severe symptoms due to encephalitis will appear. The following are some of the symptoms that occur during the encephalitis phase:
- Severe drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Seizures
- Coma
These encephalitis symptoms can worsen rapidly, usually within 24–48 hours. In approximately 40–75% of cases of severe Nipah virus infection, death can occur after encephalitis symptoms appear.
Some cases of Nipah virus infection are also latent. This means that symptoms, whether mild or severe, do not appear until several months or years after initial infection.
To date, there is no cure for Nipah virus infection, nor is there a vaccine to prevent this disease. Existing treatment focuses on treating symptoms, preventing dehydration, and allowing the patient to rest.
However, several drugs are considered potential treatments for the Nipah virus, including immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, remdesivir, and ribavirin.
Although there have been no reported cases of Nipah virus infection in Indonesia, you should remain vigilant because the virus is easily transmitted from infected animals or people, making it considered a potential pandemic. Avoid contact with sick animals or people as much as possible, especially in areas where outbreaks are occurring.
If you have been in contact with an animal or person suspected of being infected with the Nipah virus and experience symptoms of fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, and weakness, s, don’t hesitate to immediately check with a doctor to get the right treatment.
Reference:
Hafeez, M., et al. (2025). Navigating Nipah Virus: Insights, Challenges, and Recommendations. New Microbes and New Infections, 64, pp. 101575.
Madhukalya, R., et al. (2025). Nipah Virus: Pathogenesis, Genome, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 109(1), pp. 158.
Garbuglia, A., et al. (2023). Nipah Virus: An Overview of the Current Status of Diagnostics and Their Role in Preparedness in Endemic Countries. Viruses, 15(10), pp. 2062.
World Health Organization (2024). Nipah Virus Infection.
Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia (2023). Mengenal Virus Nipah Dan Gejalanya.
Cleveland Clinic (2023). Nipah Virus.
