HPA says Nipah virus risk to Maldives remains low
The HPA added that it has not received any reports of cases or contacts in the Maldives.
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The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said on Tuesday that it is monitoring the situation in the Maldives following the detection of cases of the Nipah virus in India’s West Bengal state, but said the risk to the Maldives remains low.
In a statement, the HPA said West Bengal is a destination frequently visited by Indian travellers and noted the volume of travel from India to the Maldives.
According to the HPA, more than 180 people in West Bengal have been identified and quarantined after coming into contact with three individuals who tested positive for the virus this month.
The agency said no further cases have been reported from other parts of India or from other countries.
“The risk of the disease in the Maldives is low at present, but the agency is monitoring the situation,” the HPA said.
The HPA added that it has not received any reports of cases or contacts in the Maldives. However, it advised travellers to West Bengal to exercise caution.
There is no specific vaccine or treatment for the Nipah virus, which is transmitted from animals to humans. The disease can be fatal in a significant proportion of cases.
The virus is commonly spread by animals and can also be transmitted through contaminated food and from person to person.
The World Health Organisation has listed the Nipah virus among its priority diseases because of its potential to cause large outbreaks.
