Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has emphasized the importance of vigilance among Singaporeans, stating that deadly outbreaks can occur from time to time.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday (Jan 28), he commented on the Communicable Diseases Agency's (CDA) statement regarding the Nipah virus, highlighting the need to watch out for "sustained human to human transmission." He mentioned that if transmissions are limited to between animals and humans or within close human settings, the risk is lower.

He stated, "There is no evidence of sustained human to human transmission of the Nipah virus in India."

With the Infectious Diseases Act and the new CDA, the Ministry of Health (MOH) now has various tools to respond effectively.

Singaporeans can be assured that the country is always on alert and will act swiftly to protect its population.

The CDA reported on Wednesday that they are closely monitoring the Nipah outbreak in India.

India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare identified 196 close contacts of the two cases.

The current transmission of the virus mainly occurs through exposure to bats and consumption of contaminated date palm sap or fruits.

Stepped up vigilance

Singapore has increased vigilance against the virus in various sectors.

Medical practitioners and laboratories must report all confirmed and suspected cases to the CDA immediately. Hospitals and emergency departments are on high alert for Nipah infections in patients with relevant symptoms and recent travel history to affected areas.

Travellers receive health advisories upon entry to Singapore, with instructions to seek medical help if unwell after travel. Temperature screening stations will be set up at airports for flights from affected regions.

The Ministry of Manpower is enhancing surveillance of migrant workers from South Asia and increasing vigilance among primary care providers.

The CDA is collaborating with South Asian counterparts to better understand the situation and establish a global platform for reporting genome sequencing of cases.

Additional public health measures will be implemented if new information indicates an increased risk.

A zoonotic disease

The Nipah virus, capable of transmission from animals to humans, is a zoonotic disease that can also spread through contaminated food and between humans.

First identified in 1998 during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore, the virus was linked to close contact with infected pigs.

In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, limited human to human transmission was reported.

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available for the virus.

Advisory to travellers

The CDA advises travellers to affected countries to maintain vigilance and take precautions, including:

• Practicing good personal hygiene by washing hands regularly

• Avoiding contact with pigs and bats

• Staying away from areas where bats gather

• Avoiding consumption of potentially contaminated products

• Seeking immediate medical advice if at risk of exposure

If feeling unwell during or after a trip to affected areas, individuals should wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and inform healthcare providers about their travel history.

khooyihang@asiaone.com