Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id — The threat of Nipah virus is gaining attention in Indonesia following the detection of this zoonotic disease in India’s West Bengal state, where two cases were confirmed in January 2026. The virus, which has no vaccine or specific treatment available, spreads primarily from animals to humans, with fruit bats as the natural reservoir.
Indonesian health officials, medical experts, and the government are calling on the public to avoid consuming open or partially eaten fruits, especially those that may have been bitten by bats or contaminated with their saliva.
Prevention efforts emphasize early screening, heightened vigilance, and consistent adoption of clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS).
Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Pediatric Association (PP IDAI), stressed that Nipah virus transmits from animals—particularly fruit bats—to humans. A key transmission route of concern is eating fruits that have been bitten or exposed to bat saliva.
“Children still have the habit of picking up and eating fruits that have been bitten by bats. If the bat carries the Nipah virus, this is dangerous and can transmit the virus to humans,” Dr. Piprim warned, as quoted by Kompas.com on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Nipah Virus Attacks the Nervous System with Severe Complications
The Nipah virus targets the nervous system and can lead to serious complications, including encephalitis (brain inflammation) and respiratory distress. Initial symptoms often mimic common viral infections—such as fever, body aches, and fatigue—leading to delayed recognition.
“With no vaccine or specific therapy available, early prevention through clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS) is crucial. Educating parents and children is the key to breaking potential transmission chains,” Dr. Piprim emphasized.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the government is taking anticipatory steps by strengthening health screening systems. Specific reagents for detecting Nipah virus have been prepared, given its similarities to COVID-19 in some characteristics.
“If possible, avoid eating uncovered fruits. It’s safer to peel them yourself. If needed, opt for cooked food,” Minister Budi advised.
Transmission Routes: Open Fruits, Bats, and Pigs
At the regional level, Bali’s Health Office is also increasing vigilance. I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division at Bali’s Health Office, explained that besides bats, pigs can serve as intermediate hosts for Nipah virus transmission to humans.
“Fruit bats are the natural reservoir of Nipah virus. Pigs can act as intermediate hosts where the virus replicates. The last recorded transmission via pigs occurred in Malaysia between 1998 and 1999,” she clarified.
Raka added that Nipah virus has a high fatality rate of 47–50%, with severe complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, making it a serious concern.
To prevent transmission, the public is advised to:
- Avoid consuming fruits that have been bitten, fallen from trees without clear condition knowledge, or left open.
- Ensure fruits are peeled and thoroughly washed before eating.
- Avoid direct contact with wild animals, especially bats and sick pigs.
- Consistently practice clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS).
- Seek immediate medical attention at a healthcare facility if experiencing fever accompanied by neurological symptoms.
For context, the virus was first detected in this recent instance in North 24 Parganas District, West Bengal, India, on January 12, 2026, affecting two 25-year-old nurses at a private hospital in Barasat.
No cases have been reported in Indonesia. But airports—including in Jakarta and Bali—have enhanced screening for travelers amid regional concerns. (aan/rhd)
