As health authorities remain vigilant against infectious diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated recommendations to mitigate Nipah virus transmission risks in 2026. The guidelines come as the agency maintains its assessment of moderate sub-national risk levels across affected regions.
Breaking the Bat-Human Transmission Chain
Health experts emphasize preventing contact between fruit bats and human food supplies. Residents in endemic areas are advised to boil freshly collected date-palm sap and thoroughly wash and peel fruits before consumption. Any produce showing signs of bat bites should be immediately discarded.
Controlling Animal-Human Spread
Farm workers handling potentially infected livestock are urged to use protective gear during high-risk activities like slaughtering. The WHO recommends establishing new pig farms away from bat habitats and implementing bat-proof storage for animal feed in affected regions.
Outbreak Management Protocols
Proven containment strategies include regular farm disinfection, strict quarantine measures for suspected cases, and controlled culling of infected animals with proper disposal protocols. Movement restrictions for livestock from outbreak zones remain critical to preventing wider transmission.
