The Ministry of Health & Medical Services in Fiji has assured citizens that the nation is currently safe from the Nipah virus, despite recent cases reported abroad. The Ministry declared that the risk level for Fiji remains low, thanks to effective containment measures in place.
Two cases of the Nipah virus were confirmed in West Bengal, India, but authorities have managed to contain the outbreak. The Ministry reported that all 196 individuals identified as close contacts of the infected cases have been monitored, tested, and all results returned negative, with no symptoms present.
Additionally, the Ministry noted that there are no cases linked to this outbreak reported in other countries, and China has not reported any cases of the Nipah virus this year. The World Health Organization has indicated that Nipah outbreaks have been occurring in India since 2001, particularly in regions like West Bengal and Kerala, and are frequently associated with fruit bat populations.
The Ministry highlighted that while the Nipah virus can be transmitted from infected animals to humans through contaminated food and, in certain cases, from person to person, the risk for Fiji remains minimal. Symptoms of the virus can range from mild conditions such as fever and headaches to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, with a significant fatality rate estimated between 40% and 75%.
Despite the potential severity of the virus, the Ministry reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to Fiji. They advised anyone who has traveled to West Bengal recently and develops symptoms to seek medical attention without delay. The Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other international partners, promising to keep the public informed should the risk level change. Citizens are encouraged to rely on official sources for information and avoid the spread of misinformation related to health matters.
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