SINGAPORE – The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) stated on Feb 7 that Singapore has not reported any cases of Nipah virus infection associated with the outbreaks in West Bengal and Bangladesh.

The CDA noted that a case of Nipah virus infection was reported in Naogaon District, Rajshahi Division in northern Bangladesh and assured that they are closely monitoring the situation.

According to the CDA, Nipah virus is endemic in Bangladesh, with seasonal outbreaks linked to the consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated by fruit bats.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported on Feb 6 that a woman in northern Bangladesh died in January after contracting Nipah virus infection.

There is no evidence linking the cases in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh, or any human-to-human transmission in Bangladesh, CDA added.

Furthermore, there is no active community spread in Bangladesh and West Bengal.

The CDA emphasized that Singapore has not reported any cases of Nipah virus associated with the outbreaks in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Additionally, ongoing bio-surveillance programs have not detected the virus in Singapore's bat populations since 2011.

Since Jan 28, the CDA has been implementing public health measures to prevent Nipah Virus infection in Singapore and will continue to monitor the global situation closely.

The virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or cure, was detected in two individuals in West Bengal, India, in January.

To curb the spread of the virus, measures such as temperature screening at airports for flights from affected areas and health advisories for travelers have been put in place.

New migrant workers arriving in Singapore from West Bengal are required to undergo daily temperature checks and monitor their health for symptoms. They are advised to seek medical help if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, cough, and breathing difficulties.

Workers who have been to West Bengal and show symptoms of the virus will be isolated and assessed for treatment.

MOM has issued advisories to employers of migrant workers, urging them to take precautions for those traveling to Nipah virus-affected areas.