JAKARTA - The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a risk warning of Nipah virus infection for its citizens in India, following the discovery of confirmed cases in the Kolkata region in West Bengal State.
"Japanese nationals currently in India or planning to travel to the country are urged to take preventive measures against infection," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Wednesday, January 28.
In particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends washing hands frequently, avoiding unnecessary contact with animals, and being careful while choosing and preparing food and drinks, for example, "not consuming food or drinks that may have been contaminated by bats".
"If symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, dizziness, or changes in consciousness appear, seek medical help immediately," he said.
Last week the Independent newspaper reported that Indian authorities were trying to curb a deadly Nipah virus outbreak, which has infected five people, with about 100 others quarantined.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Nipah as one of the most dangerous viruses in the world, for which no treatment or vaccine has been found so far.
Nipah virus is mainly spread through bats and flying foxes. Humans are usually infected through the consumption of fruit contaminated with saliva from infected animals. Pets can also transmit the virus.
Indian authorities have previously reported four Nipah outbreaks, namely in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007 and in the State of Kerala in 2018 and 2019.
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