Cambodia Issues Guidance on Protection Against Nipah Virus

PHNOM PENH, Jan 25, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Health has issued new guidance to the public on protecting against Nipah virus, a rare but potentially deadly disease carried by fruit bats and some livestock.

Officials stressed that no human cases have been reported in the country, but the virus has been detected in local fruit bats, prompting preventive measures.

Nipah virus can spread from animals such as bats and pigs to humans, and also between people through direct contact with bodily fluids.

It can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, with a fatality rate ranging from 40 to 70 percent.

First identified in Malaysia and Singapore in 1999, the virus has since caused regular outbreaks in Bangladesh and northeastern India.

Transmission can occur through contact with infected bats or livestock, consumption of fruit or juice contaminated by bats, and exposure to bodily fluids of infected patients.

Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of exposure and include fever, headache, vomiting, sore throat, breathing difficulties and muscle pain.

Severe cases may lead to seizures, confusion, paralysis or death within 24 to 48 hours. Survivors can suffer long-term neurological complications.

The ministry urged the public to practice good hygiene, avoid contact with bats and sick animals, and ensure fruits are washed and peeled before consumption.

It also advised protective clothing when handling livestock, strict infection control when caring for patients, and safe procedures for sample collection.

Authorities noted there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Nipah virus, making prevention and supportive care the only effective measures to reduce risk.