Illustration of Nipah virus. (Photo created by rawpixel.com on www.freepik.com)

Indonesia, through the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), has also increased vigilance at the country’s entry points regarding the case of Nipah virus infection which caused the death of two people in Kerala , in India.

Head of the Indonesian Health Ministry’s Communications and Public Services Office Siti Nadia Tarmizi said vigilance must be exercised as there is an increase in Nipah virus cases in India. In addition, neighboring countries also reported cases of Nipah virus infection in 1998-1999.

“As we know, Malaysia and Singapore reported this case in 1998. Currently also Bangladesh and India are reporting an increase in cases. Of course, our vigilance when entering the country needs to be increased,” said Nadia in a message written to Health Liputan6.com, Tuesday September 19, 2023.

Health facilities, including the port health office, have also been asked to increase their vigilance for people with potential symptoms of the Nipah virus. Apart from this, ensuring the smooth flow of referrals between health establishments.

“Increase the vigilance of health facilities regarding potential symptoms of the Nipah virus and also ensure referrals between health facilities,” Nadia said.

Preventing Nipah virus infection

Nadia also reminded people not to eat raw meat. Make sure the meat consumed is well cooked.

Indeed, transmission of Nipah virus can occur when eating meat from animals infected with Nipah virus. Especially those that are undercooked.

Apart from this, make sure you eat fruits that do not contain animal bites. This is because the Nipah virus can be transmitted through the bodily fluids of infected animals, such as saliva.

“Do not consume fruits that may be contaminated by animals like infected fruit bats (Nipah virus),” Nadia said.

Tjandra Yoga also said the same thing: “The problem is not only animals but also animal-related products. “For example, if a bat eats a fruit, the fruit also contains transmission (factors) (the bat’s urine and saliva),” he said.

After bats and pigs transmit the Nipah virus to humans, the next concern is human-to-human transmission. This resembles the nature of zoonotic diseases in general.

“Like bird flu, from birds to humans and from humans to other humans. “The same thing also happened with the Nipah virus,” Tjandra said.

Not all diseases become pandemics

Tjandra continued, not all of the different diseases that emerged became pandemics. Similarly with Nipah, there needs to be monitoring and control so that this does not end up becoming a pandemic.

“Don’t always assume that if a new disease emerges, it will definitely be a pandemic. “In fact, this is what we need to observe, how this spreads further so that it does not become a pandemic,” Tjandra concluded.