Indonesian health officials are bolstering surveillance measures following a recent outbreak of Nipah virus in India, where five new cases were confirmed in West Bengal as of January 25th [[1]]. The virus, a zoonotic infection with a high fatality rate and no known cure [[1]], [[2]] has prompted concerns about potential international spread, particularly as similar outbreaks have occurred annually in South Asia. With Thailand already increasing its alert level, Indonesian lawmakers are urging proactive measures to prevent the virus from reaching its borders.
Indonesia on Alert Following New Cases of Nipah Virus in India
Dilihat : 67
JAKARTA (January 28): Indonesian officials are increasing vigilance after recent reports of Nipah virus infections in India. The virus, which can cause severe illness, has a high fatality rate and has triggered outbreaks in several countries in the past, prompting concerns about potential spread.
“Given that Thailand has already elevated its risk status and reimplemented strict protocols at airports, Indonesia must adopt a more proactive and cautious approach rather than waiting for cases to emerge within its borders,” stated Nurhadi, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, representing the NasDem Party, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Nurhadi highlighted several key steps the Ministry of Health should prioritize. These include strengthening early detection systems and epidemiological surveillance, particularly at international entry points like airports and seaports.
“Health screenings for travelers arriving from high-risk countries must be intensified, along with preparedness for quarantine procedures if any suspected cases are identified,” he explained. Effective surveillance is crucial for containing infectious disease outbreaks and protecting public health.
The Ministry of Health must also ensure healthcare facilities are fully prepared, from designated referral hospitals to adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and established treatment protocols. Nurhadi emphasized the importance of avoiding a repeat of the initial challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective coordination across multiple sectors is also essential, involving not only the Ministry of Health but also the Ministry of Transportation, Health Quarantine authorities, and regional governments, especially those with significant interaction with wildlife or fruit bats.
Public education and risk communication are also critical. The government should provide accurate, measured information to the public, avoiding panic while still raising awareness.
“Prevention is always better than belated response. The state must act proactively, base decisions on data, and prepare mitigation strategies seriously to protect public safety,” Nurhadi added.
As of January 25, 2026, India reported five new cases of Nipah virus infection in Barasat, West Bengal. The initial cases involved a male nurse and a female nurse at a private hospital. Subsequently, three additional individuals tested positive for the virus.
Initial investigations suggest the two nurses likely contracted the virus while caring for a patient with severe respiratory distress, who died before laboratory confirmation of the Nipah virus infection. The outbreak has prompted Indian health authorities to implement quarantine measures, emergency surveillance, and contact tracing in the affected areas. (Yudis/*)
