03/02/2026

TUESDAY | FEB 3, 2026

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Detecting Nipah virus cases still challenging: Experts

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING Malaysia’s healthcare system is better equipped today to detect and manage potential Nipah virus infections compared with the 1998 outbreak. However, experts say recognising the illness early remains a challenge as its initial symptoms closely mimic common viral infections. KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital medical director Datuk Dr Azhar Md Noh said the difficulty lies at the clinical front line, where patients rarely present distinctive warning signs. “Initial symptoms are not specific and overlap with many common infections. A high index of suspicion combined with epidemiological risk factors, such as travel to countries with active outbreaks or exposure to pigs or bats, helps in detecting potential cases and triggering appropriate diagnostic tests. “Common symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia (muscle aches), nausea, vomiting, sore throat, cough and breathing difficulties. “These could rapidly progress to neurological complications, such as confusion, headaches, seizures and coma, as well as severe respiratory involvement, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome.” Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre infectious disease specialist Assoc Prof Dr Petrick @ Ramesh K. Periyasamy said the challenge lies less in hospital capacity and more in identifying risk early. “From a Malaysian healthcare perspective, preparedness is far superior to the 1990s. Surveillance systems now adopt a ‘One Health’ approach, coordinating monitoring between the Health Minstry, the Veterinary Services Department and wildlife authorities to track the virus in fruit bats. “Laboratory capacity has also improved. The Institute for Medical Research can detect Nipah virus using RT-PCR and serological testing. “Following Covid-19, hospitals have strengthened infection control practices and expanded knowledge and availability of personal protective equipment,” he said. He added that exposure history often provides the crucial clue. “It is difficult to differentiate early signs and symptoms. Doctors should ask about any exposure, including contact with bats, raw date palm sap or travel to active outbreak zones. “What may start as a viral-like illness could quickly progress to drowsiness, disorientation and mental confusion. Rapid progression from fever to altered consciousness or seizures within 24 to 48 hours JAYA:

o ‘Symptoms include fever and nausea, could rapidly progress

to neurological complications’

should raise alarm. “While there is still no cure, supportive care has advanced considerably. Modern intensive care, including mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure and advanced anti-convulsants for seizures, can reduce mortality.” On national surveillance and response, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia medical and health sciences lecturer Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said systems are in place. “The national health system is prepared to handle Nipah virus infections. Surveillance mechanisms are operational and anyone showing early symptoms with a history of exposure will trigger a response. “Nipah virus has been a notifiable disease since 1999. Animal surveillance is ongoing among veterinarians and pig farmers to detect early signs. “Clinics, doctors and veterinary staff have received advisories to identify symptoms in humans and animals,” she said. Nipah virus was first identified during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia in 1998. According to a World Health Organisation article published on Jan 29, the fatality rate ranges from between 40% and 75%, depending on the outbreak. The virus is naturally carried by fruit bats and can spread to humans through infected animals, contaminated food or close contact with infected individuals. It could cause severe disease affecting the lungs and brain, with some patients developing encephalitis or brain inflammation. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment, although early intensive supportive care, including respiratory support and management of complications, could improve survival. been playing Toto games since the 1980s and would regularly stop by a Toto outlet on draw days while running errands, often pairing the routine with her grocery shopping. She decided to buy the Lucky Pick ticket after noticing that the jackpot had snowballed to nearly RM40 million. Recalling the night of the draw, she said she felt unusually restless and was unable to sleep. In the early hours of the morning, she decided to check her ticket. “As I checked the numbers one by one and realised they all matched, I could hardly believe it. I was so excited that I could not sleep at all.”

Elderly housewife wins RM40m lottery

Teen, grandmother killed in fire

Ű BY JOSEPH PETER newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The winning numbers drawn were 19, 29, 32, 39, 40 and 54. She said despite the life-changing windfall, she intends to remain grounded and continue living a simple life. “I am grateful for this blessing, but I do not plan to change my lifestyle.” She was later driven by her husband from Penang to Kuala Lumpur to complete the prize claim. The couple said they have no immediate plans for the winnings and would prioritise prudent financial management. “This is a big ang pow ahead of Chinese New Year and we are truly thankful,” her husband said.

one of the units while all others managed to escape. “The charred remains of the victims were recovered from the rubble after the fire was brought under control at 4.20am.” The deceased have been identified as Taun Nyaring, 61, and her grandson Melbourne Jeasy. They were living in the factory’s workers’ housing area where other family members are employed. The fire also destroyed several motorcycles. The department confirmed that the bodies have been handed over to police and investigations into the cause of the blaze are ongoing.

PETALING JAYA: A 72-year-old Penang housewife has become an instant multi-millionaire after winning the Supreme Toto 6/58 Jackpot worth RM40.1 million with a Lucky Pick ticket in the draw held on Jan 28. The long-time Toto player clinched the jackpot after purchasing a System 10 Lucky Pick ticket, securing a total payout of RM40,120,690.20, along with an additional RM173,152 in System Play bonus winnings. According to STM Lottery, she has

BINTULU: A 15-year-old boy and his grandmother were killed in a fire that tore through a two-storey workers’ quarters at a wood-processing factory in Bintulu, Sarawak yesterday. The charred bodies of the pair were discovered at 4am at the site in Jalan Sungai Nyigu, on the outskirts of Bintulu town, according to the state Fire and Rescue Department. “Our Bintulu fire station received an emergency alert at 1.01am reporting a fire at the workers’quarters. We arrived at the scene at 1.10am.” Two residents were trapped inside