Advisory on Nipah Virus (NiV) Outbreak and Fullerton Health’s Measures
Current Situation
Fullerton Health is closely aligned with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) in monitoring the Nipah virus (NiV) situation, following reports of cases detected in West Bengal, India.
NiV infection remains a recurring risk in parts of South Asia due to the widespread presence of fruit bat reservoirs. Transmission is mainly linked with exposure to bats or bat-contaminated food (such as date palm sap). There is currently no evidence of sustained community transmission.
About NiV Infection
The incubation period for NiV infection ranges from 4 to 45 days, with most cases developing symptoms within 4 to 14 days. Early symptoms are often non-specific. Human-to-human transmission has been reported in certain settings.
NiV infection may be suspected in patients presenting with signs of acute encephalitis – including fever, headache, myalgia, vomiting or sore throat, which may progress to altered consciousness, seizures or coma – as well as in patients with symptoms of acute respiratory distress or atypical pneumonia, or in cases of relapse or late-onset encephalitis. Such cases should be assessed for relevant exposure within the last 14 days, including travel to NiV-affected areas (currently West Bengal, India), exposure to bats, bat-contaminated food, pigs or palm sap, or contact with a confirmed NiV case.
Situation in Singapore
At present, there are no reported cases of NiV infection in Singapore and there is no indication of sustained community transmission locally. The overall risk to the public remains low.
Nevertheless, we continue to keep abreast of the latest advisories issued by MOH, CDA and the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), and to align our clinical practices closely with national guidance on case recognition, infection prevention, escalation, and notification
Fullerton Health’s Preparedness and Measures
As a healthcare group with extensive experience managing infectious disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Fullerton Healthcare remains well prepared to respond to emerging public health threats. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), we provide primary care services to communities across Singapore via our network of clinics, large multi-doctor medical centers capable of managing high patient volumes, and telemedicine platforms that operate beyond regular clinic hours. These capabilities enable us to respond promptly and cohesively when public health risks arise.
Our doctors have been briefed in-depth on the clinical features of the NiV infection, including its incubation period and varied presentations, as well as the importance of early identification and timely escalation. Clear escalation pathways are in place across our clinics. Strict infection prevention and control measures − including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and isolation precautions − are embedded as standard practice, with sufficient PPE supplies maintained across our clinics to support safe care delivery.
Staying Vigilant
While no cases of NiV have been detected in Singapore, continued vigilance, early identification and strict adherence to national protocols remain paramount across our extensive network of clinics.
Dr. Marcus Lee
Medical Director.
Clinical Quality & Governance,
Fullerton Health, Singapore