The Ministry of Health and Population has urged Nepal to remain vigilant even though the risk of Nipah virus infection seen in neighboring countries is low.

Issuing a press release today, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the ministry said that as a precautionary measure, health institutions and agencies across the country have been alerted and a Nipah virus testing algorithm (interim) has been prepared in view of the incidents in neighboring countries.

Even though the World Health Organization has assessed the public health risk of Nipah virus at the global and South-East Asia regional levels as low, the ministry has urged people to remain vigilant. Ministry spokesperson and Head of the Health Emergency and Disaster Management Unit, Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, informed that the Ministry of Health is fully committed to the health security of citizens and is taking all necessary steps. He urged everyone not to panic but to be aware, vigilant and responsible.

Spokesperson Budhathoki said, 'There is no need to panic, but we should be alert. Therefore, everyone needs to eat fruits only after washing them thoroughly, cook vegetables properly, and drink clean and safe water only after boiling.' Public health standards such as keeping animal sheds and farms clean, using gloves and masks when cutting meat, washing hands with soap and water frequently, and wearing masks when going to crowded places should be followed.'

Spokesperson Dr. Budhathoki has urged people to contact the nearest health facility or 1115 immediately if they experience any suspicious symptoms. According to the doctor, Nipah virus can be transmitted by consuming fruits contaminated with saliva, urine, or feces of infected bats. In addition, the infection can be transmitted to humans through the blood, saliva, urine, or close contact of an infected person, and from bats to pigs, Dr. Budhathoki said.