KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – St. Vincent and the Grenadines says it is closely monitoring reports of Nipah Virus (NiV) cases globally, even as the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says the region is classified as low risk for the virus.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus spread from animals to humans. The natural host of the virus is the fruit bat (also known as a flying fox).
In a statement, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health, and Energy says that, while there are no confirmed or suspected cases at this time, the “national risk remains low, the ministry is maintaining surveillance and preparedness measures in collaboration with regional and international partners”.
It is advised that travellers take extra caution, especially if visiting or returning from affected countries, adding “if you develop symptoms such as fever, respiratory symptoms, or neurological signs, you should seek medical attention promptly and inform your healthcare provider of your travel history.
“The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy will continue to provide updates as necessary and remain committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our people.”
Nipah virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of food contaminated by infected bats, and close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, headache, respiratory symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing), vomiting, and drowsiness or confusion.
In some cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and severe respiratory illness.
CARPHA said that while outbreaks of the virus have been known to occur in countries within Asia, the risk is low for most places where circulation has not been documented, including the Caribbean.
“To date, no confirmed NiV cases have been reported in the Americas, or the Caribbean,” it said, noting that the United States and the United Kingdom, key tourism source markets and travel hubs for the Caribbean, are in the top six countries most visited by residents of India, highlighting the probable risk.
“Preparedness in the Americas and Caribbean, including laboratory diagnosis capacity… and public health surveillance, remains essential to detect and respond to future Nipah virus introduction rapidly,” CARPHA added.
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