Indonesia Reports No Confirmed Nipah Cases After Testing 16 Suspected Infections
Sumarjaya, the ministry’s Director of Health Surveillance and Quarantine, said 16 suspected cases were identified between 2024 and 2026, but all tested negative.
“All the lab results were negative,” he said during an online discussion.
Ministry data showed that of the 16 suspected cases, two were reported in 2026 — one in Central Java and one in North Sulawesi — and both were ruled out. Nine suspected cases were recorded in 2025 and five in 2024.
The provinces reporting suspected infections over the three-year period were Riau, West Java, Central Java, North Sulawesi and West Kalimantan.
Sumarjaya said Indonesia faces potential risks due to the presence of fruit bats, known natural carriers of the Nipah virus, as the country lies within their habitat range.
Related news: Nipah symptoms appear within 4–14 days during incubation: Ministry
Other risk factors include high cross-border mobility and geographic proximity to countries that have reported cases, such as Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
He added that the practice of hunting and consuming bats in several regions could also increase the risk of transmission.
Authorities are therefore strengthening preventive measures, including tighter monitoring at ports, airports and other entry points for international travelers.
“We know transmission occurs through close contact. While the overall risk is considered low, prevention remains critical,” Sumarjaya said.
On Jan. 30, the ministry issued a circular letter calling for heightened vigilance against the Nipah virus, including stricter supervision of international travelers, transportation and goods arriving from abroad, particularly from affected countries.
The ministry said it would continue surveillance and coordination with regional health offices to ensure early detection and rapid response if any suspected case emerges.
Related news: Indonesia warns of Nipah virus risk from migrating birds, bats
Translator: Prisca Triferna, Resinta Sulistiyandari