Health authorities in Tonga and New Zealand are urging travellers to remain vigilant.
People who feel unwell are being advised to seek immediate medical attention amid continued concerns about the Nipah virus.
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans.
It is most commonly linked to fruit bats, which are considered the virus’s natural host, and in some cases pigs.
Human infections have previously been associated with close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
Serious illness with rapid progression
Health experts warn that symptoms of Nipah virus infection can begin mildly but may escalate quickly.
Early symptoms often include fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue, but in more severe cases the virus can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis) and serious respiratory illness, which may be life‑threatening.
Medical specialists stress that early diagnosis and care are critical, as there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus. Supportive medical care remains the primary approach for managing cases.
Advice from Tonga’s Ministry of Health
The Tonga Ministry of Health has reminded travellers and the public to act quickly if they feel unwell after travel or animal exposure.
“If you feel unwell after travel or contact with animals, seek medical attention immediately,” the Ministry said.
Officials emphasised the importance of telling health workers about any recent travel history or contact with animals, particularly in regions where Nipah virus has been reported.
New Zealand updates travel advice
In New Zealand, the ongoing situation has prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to update its travel advice for New Zealanders planning to travel to India, following reports of Nipah virus cases there.
While the developments have raised public awareness, experts say the overall risk to New Zealand remains low.
Speaking to Breakfast on 1News, University of Otago professor and evolutionary virologist Jemma Geoghegan said there was a “low risk” of a Nipah virus outbreak in New Zealand.
“This virus is sort of a natural virus for fruit bats, but it does spread over to humans, and it can spill over in several ways,” she said.
“Humans can have direct contact with bats, for example, their faeces, urine and saliva from bats, and humans can be infected with that.”
How the virus spreads
Health authorities say Nipah virus transmission can occur through:
- Direct contact with infected fruit bats or their bodily fluids
- Exposure to contaminated food or surfaces
- Contact with infected animals such as pigs
- Close contact with an infected person in some situations
For travellers, avoiding contact with wild animals, practising good hygiene, and following local health guidance are considered key preventative measures.
Authorities in both Tonga and New Zealand say they are continuing to monitor international developments closely and will update health and travel guidance as needed.
Members of the public are encouraged to rely on official health advice and not to panic, while remaining alert to symptoms and taking sensible precautions when travelling overseas.
