Nipah symptoms appear within 4--14 days during incubation: Ministry

 The Ministry of Health informed that the Nipah virus has an incubation period of four to 14 days, during which symptoms may develop after exposure.

The ministry's Director of Surveillance and Quarantine, Dr. Sumarjaya, noted that the Nipah virus symptoms range from initial symptoms such as fever and headache to more severe symptoms such as seizures and encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.

"The incubation period is four to 14 days. Some reports said it can last up to 45 days. I would say the symptoms vary," he explained during a discussion held by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Jakarta

He said that initial symptoms include fever, flu-like symptoms, and severe aches, and muscle and throat pain, which can progress to concerning symptoms such as decreased consciousness and severe respiratory distress.

“What we need to understand and stay vigilant about are severe respiratory distress and neurological complications. Those are the key concerns," he continued.

Sumarjaya addressed that the Nipah virus can be diagnosed with a PCR test, and there is no specific treatment or vaccine available.

According to him, the virus itself has a high mortality rate when it infects humans, with a mortality rate of 40-75 percent.

Preventive measures include avoiding the consumption of raw tree sap, washing and peeling fruit before eating, discarding fruit with visible bite marks or damage, and thoroughly cooking livestock meat.

As of February 2026, no cases of human transmission of the Nipah virus had been detected in Indonesia. This is despite the virus having long been detected in bats.

Previously, a death from the Nipah virus was reported in Bangladesh in late January 2026.

On January 30, the Health Ministry issued a Circular Letter (SE) regarding vigilance against the Nipah Virus, which regulates the tightening of supervision of international travelers, means of transportation, and goods from abroad, especially from affected countries.