SA Faces No Immediate Nipah Virus Risk as Health Authorities Step Up Monitoring

In a statement, the department said two cases of the potentially fatal virus were reported by Indian authorities in January 2026, but local risk levels remain extremely low.

South Africa is currently at no immediate risk from the Nipah Virus (NiV) outbreak recently reported in India, the Department of Health (DoH) confirmed, urging the public to remain calm and vigilant rather than alarmed.

In a statement, the department said two cases of the potentially fatal virus were reported by Indian authorities in January 2026, but local risk levels remain extremely low.

“There is no need for the public to panic,” the DoH said, adding that South Africa’s disease surveillance systems are fully alert and prepared.

The department is working closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which is actively monitoring the outbreak as it evolves. Health authorities have advised that, at this stage, the likelihood of transmission beyond the affected countries is minimal, and screening at ports of entry is not required.

To strengthen preparedness and communication, the NICD will provide training to the Civil Aviation Authority, ensuring that airlines and airport staff are equipped to relay accurate health information to travellers.

Nipah Virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans — most commonly from fruit bats. Transmission can also occur through contaminated food products or via close human-to-human contact.

While the virus is not yet classified as a notifiable medical condition in South Africa, it will be treated as a respiratory disease of unknown origin, which is notifiable. The NICD has confirmed that laboratory testing capacity is in place, and key clinical and surveillance resources have been updated to reflect the current outbreak.

Symptoms of Nipah Virus may include fever, headache, coughing, and difficulty breathing. According to the World Health Organisation, there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine, although several candidates are under development. Early detection and intensive supportive care significantly improve survival outcomes.

The department emphasised that basic hygiene and infection-prevention practices remain among the most effective measures to limit transmission. Animal-to-human risk can be reduced by wearing protective clothing when handling sick animals such as pigs or horses, particularly during slaughtering or culling processes.

Call to action for the public and health sector

Health professionals, travellers, and the general public are encouraged to stay informed through official Department of Health and NICD updates, avoid misinformation, and adhere to standard hygiene practices. Early awareness and responsible communication remain critical as global health authorities continue to track the outbreak.