JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Health Office appeals to the public to increase vigilance against the potential transmission of the Nipah virus following the issuance of a circular from the Ministry of Health regarding vigilance against the disease.
Although no cases have been found in Indonesia, preventive measures are considered important to reduce the risk of transmission.
Head of the DKI Jakarta Health Office Ani Ruspitawati asked residents to pay more attention to food hygiene and daily behaviors that have the potential to trigger the transmission of zoonotic diseases, one of which is avoiding contact with sick animals.
"The public is urged to maintain food hygiene, wash fruits before eating, avoid contact with sick animals, do not consume open/damaged fruits and suspected exposure to bat bites, and immediately consult a health facility if symptoms occur after risky contact," Ani told reporters, Monday, February 2.
Nipah virus is known to be transmitted through several pathways. Transmission can occur due to direct contact with infected animals, especially fruit bats, as well as through the consumption of food or beverages contaminated with the virus.
In addition, close contact with sufferers also has the potential to cause human-to-human transmission.
From a clinical perspective, Ani explained that the initial symptoms of Nipah virus infection often resemble common diseases, so it needs to be watched early. Symptoms can develop quickly and be fatal if not treated.
"Early symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain, which can develop into respiratory distress and encephalitis," he said.
It is known that the Ministry of Health issued a Circular Letter (SE) Number HK.02.02/C/445/2026 regarding vigilance against Nipah Virus Disease.
Director General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Murti Utami, said vigilance still needed to be increased. Indonesia is considered at risk due to its geographical proximity and high mobility with countries that have experienced extraordinary Nipah virus events.
"Until now, there have been no reports of confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease in humans in Indonesia, but vigilance still needs to be increased considering that Indonesia is a high-risk area based on geographical proximity and intensity of mobility with countries that have experienced extraordinary events," said Murti in a circular letter.
In addition, the results of the research in Indonesia showed serological evidence and virus detection in the natural reservoir of fruit bats which indicates the potential source of transmission in Indonesia.
To be more precise, the Nipah virus is a member of the Henipavirus genus of the Paramyxoviridae family. This virus has a natural reservoir in fruit bats (Pteropus sp.) and can be transmitted to humans directly or through intermediate animals such as pigs. Transmission can also occur through the consumption of contaminated food or drinks, such as fruit or sap.
Human-to-human transmission has been reported, mainly through close contact with patients. The clinical manifestations are varied, ranging from mild to severe acute respiratory infections, as well as encephalitis that can cause death.
The mortality rate of the Nipah virus is reported to be quite high, ranging from 40-75 percent. The first outbreak was recorded in 1998-1999 in Sungai Nipah Village, Malaysia, which attacked pig farmers and then spread to Singapore. Human cases have also been reported in India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
From 2001 to 2026, cases of the Nipah virus have appeared sporadically in Bangladesh and India. In India, outbreaks have occurred in West Bengal State in 2001 and 2007, and have recurred in Kerala State since 2018.
Most recently, on January 14, 2026, India again reported confirmed cases of the Nipah virus in the State of West Bengal. As of January 26, 2026, two confirmed cases without deaths were recorded in North 24 Parganas District.
"All confirmed cases are health workers. More than 120 close contacts have been identified and all of them are quarantined. A complete investigation is still being carried out," said Murti.
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