MALAYSIANS travelling to India, as well as those currently residing in the country, have been urged to take precautionary measures against potential Nipah virus infection, according to an advisory issued by the Malaysian High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday.
In its statement, the High Commission advised Malaysians visiting areas with reported Nipah cases to wear face masks in public places to reduce exposure to respiratory droplets and to avoid crowded areas where possible.
Travellers were also reminded to maintain strict personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing, and to avoid consuming unwashed fruits or food that may be exposed to contamination.
“The High Commission will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide updates if necessary. Malaysian citizens are encouraged to remain informed and to take all recommended precautionary measures in the interest of their health and safety,” the advisory said.
The mission also cautioned against contact with sick animals or individuals showing symptoms such as fever, headache, cough or difficulty breathing.
India’s Ministry of Health has confirmed two Nipah virus cases in the eastern state of West Bengal. On Tuesday, it reported that the outbreak had been successfully contained.
Nevertheless, the incident has prompted authorities in several Asian countries, including Malaysia, to introduce screening measures for travellers arriving from India.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans from animals and can spread among people through contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact.
The virus typically has an incubation period of between four and 14 days, and there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available for either humans or animals. - January 30, 2026
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