Overview:
No Nipah Virus Detected in Palau, Health Officials Say.
Public advised risk remains low as cases reported in parts of South Asia; travelers urged to stay alert and seek care for symptoms after travel
By: L.N Reklai
KOROR, Palau (February 6, 2026)— Health authorities in Palau say there is no evidence of local transmission of the Nipah virus, despite recent outbreaks reported in parts of South and Southeast Asia, and are urging the public to stay informed without alarm.
According to a regional medical situation update covering January 2025 through January 2026, Nipah virus activity has been reported in Bangladesh and India, including limited healthcare-associated transmission. No cases have been reported anywhere in the Pacific, including Palau, during this period .
Officials emphasized that the current risk to Palau remains low, but noted that continued international travel means vigilance is important, particularly for people traveling to or returning from affected countries.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can cause severe illness, including encephalitis and respiratory disease. It is carried naturally by fruit bats of the Pteropus genus, also known as flying foxes. The Palau fruit bat is a member of this same genus, though there is no evidence of Nipah virus circulating locally .
Human infections elsewhere have most often occurred through consumption of food contaminated by infected bats, contact with infected animals, or close contact with infected people, particularly in healthcare or caregiving settings.
No cause for panic in Palau
Health officials stressed that the presence of fruit bats alone does not mean Nipah virus is present. While Pteropus bats are widespread across Asia and the Pacific, Nipah virus transmission has historically been limited to specific regions, primarily Bangladesh and India .
“There is no indication of community transmission in Palau,” the report noted, adding that surveillance systems remain in place to detect unusual respiratory or neurological illnesses.
Advice for travelers
People traveling to countries where Nipah virus cases have been reported are advised to:
- Avoid consuming raw date palm sap or unwashed fruit
- Avoid contact with sick animals
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Avoid close contact with people showing severe respiratory illness or neurological symptoms
Travelers are also reminded that Nipah virus can have a long incubation period — up to 45 days in rare cases, meaning symptoms may appear weeks after returning home .
Seek care early if symptoms develop
Health officials are encouraging anyone who develops fever, headache, confusion, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, or unusual drowsiness, especially after recent travel to affected areas, to seek medical care promptly and inform healthcare providers of their travel history.
Early reporting helps protect families, communities, and healthcare workers, and allows health authorities to respond quickly if needed.
Preparedness remains key
While the overall risk to Palau is low, the report highlights the importance of continued preparedness, including infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities and awareness among clinicians for patients with compatible symptoms and recent travel history .
Health officials said clear, factual communication and early healthcare-seeking behavior remain the most effective tools to prevent unnecessary fear while ensuring public safety.