PNG not at immediate risk from Nipah virus cases

The natural hosts of the virus are fruit bats, particularly those of the Pteropus genus. Malayan flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus). a South-East Asian species of megabat, primarily feeds on flowers, nectar, and fruit (Image: Supplied)

The National Department of Health [NDoH] says the recent Nipah virus [NiV] cases reported in India do not pose an immediate threat to Papua New Guinea.

NDoH confirmed that the World Health Organization [WHO] has assessed the risk of international spread, including to PNG, as low and has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans, through contaminated food, or from person to person through close and prolonged contact. The virus does not spread easily.

Symptoms usually begin with flu-like illness, fever and headache, and in severe cases can progress to inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal.

The virus can also infect animals such as pigs, dogs and cats.

In January 2026, India notified WHO of two confirmed Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. Both patients were health care workers who were quickly identified and isolated. Extensive contact tracing has so far found no secondary cases.

Although there are currently no reported cases in PNG, health facilities have been reminded to strictly follow infection prevention and control measures, particularly when managing patients with severe respiratory illness.

NDoH has also advised the public to practise simple health precautions, including regular hand washing, safe food handling, and avoiding contact with bats or fruit that may have been contaminated by bats.

The Department of Health says it will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates if necessary.