The risk to people in Australia from Nipah virus remains very low, despite recent confirmed cases of the disease in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
“The risk of spread internationally is considered very low,” said the Director of the South East Public Health Unit Professor Rhonda Stuart. There is no indication of widespread risk locally, and there are no changes to advice for the general Australian community.
“Nipah virus is not new. It has been known internationally since the late 1990s and, while it can cause severe illness, the risk to people in Australia remains very low,” Professor Stuart said.
“As with many infectious diseases, Nipah virus is something our clinicians should remain aware of when assessing people who are unwell after recent travel to areas where Nipah virus is endemic.”
Clinicians are advised to contact their Local Public Health Unit for advice and approval for testing of suspected cases.