February 1, 2026 | 09:07 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Health Ministry is urging hospitals and district health services to be alert for the Nipah virus in their respective areas. The warning was conveyed through Circular Letter Number HK.02.02/C/445/2026 regarding Vigilance Against the Nipah Virus Disease.
The letter was issued on January 30, 2026. In the document, Director General of Disease Prevention Murti Utami instructed all health facility providers to take several steps to anticipate virus transmission.
"It is conveyed to the heads of provincial and district health offices, the heads of health quarantine UPT, hospital leaders, community health center heads, and heads of public health laboratories in Indonesia to carry out anticipatory measures," said Murti in the statement.
Murti explained that Nipah virus disease is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by the Nipah virus, a member of the Henipavirus genus and Paramyxoviridae family. This virus has a natural reservoir in fruit bats (Pteropus sp).
According to Murti, this virus can be transmitted to humans directly or through intermediary animals such as pigs, as well as through the consumption of food or drinks contaminated with the virus, such as fruit or palm sap. Transmission between humans is also possible, especially through close contact with patients.
The manifestations of Nipah disease vary from mild to severe Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) and encephalitis, which can lead to death. "The reported mortality rate reaches 40-75 percent," she said.
Furthermore, the same circular mentioned that cases have appeared since 2001. However, it was detected again in India in January 2026. As of January 26, two confirmed cases without fatalities were reported in the North 24 Parganas District, West Bengal State.
All confirmed cases were healthcare workers. Currently, more than 120 people have had close contact with survivors. "All of them are quarantined, and complete investigations are still ongoing," said Murti.
Murti stated that there have been no confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease in humans in Indonesia to date. Nevertheless, vigilance must increase considering Indonesia is at risk due to its geographical proximity and the intensity of mobility with countries that have experienced extraordinary incidents.
Therefore, the Health Ministry has instructed several anticipatory measures for health services and facilities. First, to carry out monitoring and verification of trends in suspected cases of meningitis, encephalitis, Influenza-Like Illness, Severe Acute Respiratory Infection, ARI, and pneumonia.
Second, health facilities are required to identify cases through acute respiratory syndrome and acute meningoencephalitis syndromes, which have risk factors according to the operational case definition referring to the Nipah Virus Disease Prevention and Control Guidelines.
For hospitals, the Health Ministry requests health facilities to coordinate with reference laboratories regarding the management of case specimens according to applicable standards. Meanwhile, health offices are required to conduct epidemiological studies on the disease and potential health risk factors for Nipah virus outbreaks, including modeling research, predictive research, and operational research.
In addition, the Ministry requests the Technical Implementation Unit of Health Quarantine to enhance surveillance at the country's entry points, especially for travelers from affected countries. "Conduct temperature observation using thermal scanners, as well as observe signs and symptoms of all travelers entering Indonesia by deploying officers in international arrival areas," she explained.
Finally, the Health Ministry calls for increased vigilance and preparedness for Nipah virus disease outbreaks through preparedness activities and early response in first-level and advanced healthcare facilities. Hospitals, community health centers, and healthcare facilities are also requested to prepare isolation rooms and personal protective equipment (PPE) for prevention.
Read: Nipah Virus: Indonesia Says Increased Vigilance, But No Border Closure Yet
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