Press Release

KDCA Newly Designates Nipah Virus (NiV) as a Class 1 Notifiable and Quarantinable Infectious Disease

- In June 2024, the WHO has designated Nipah virus as a priority pathogen which has a high risk of causing Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Sporadic cases are continuously reported in parts of Asia, including India and Bangladesh.

- Although the likelihood of introduction into Korea is low, given the virus’s high fatality rate of 40 to 75% in humans, rigorous management is important by designating it as the class 1 notifiable infectious disease.

- KDCA urged the public to follow the Nipah virus infection prevention guidelines: avoid contact with animals (including wild animals); avoid consuming contaminated foods or beverages; avoid direct contact with patients; and follow personal hygiene manuals such as washing hands, etc.

Osong, 23 September 2025 ━ The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has revised and implemented an official notice designating Nipah virus infection as a class 1 notifiable infectious disease.

This is the first time designating the class 1 infectious disease since 2020, when the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act was revised, and the class system was introduced. Following the revision, any confirmed or suspected cases of Nipah virus infection are subject to public health measures, including reporting, isolation, contact tracing, or epidemiological investigation.

In June 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated Nipah virus as one of pathogens that can pose Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), underscoring the need for active response measures and development of vaccines and therapeutics.

Nipah virus* can infect both humans and animals. The virus was named after a village in Malyaia where the virus was first identified in 1998 during an outbreak among pig farms. Infection occurs through contact with infected animals (such as fruit bats, pig, etc.), consumption of contaminated foods (such as date palm sugar, etc.), or close contact with the bodily fluid of patients, showing virus can be transmitted from human to human.

* Nipah virus belongs to the family of Paramyxoviridae and Henipavirus. It is classified as a high-risk pathogen with a fatality rate of 40 – 75%.

Sporadic cases have been reported in Asian countries* where fruit bats are found. Travelers visiting India and Bangladesh should take extra caution where confirmed cases** are reported.

* (Countries with Major Outbreaks) Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, India, and Bangladesh

** (India) 2 confirmed cases in 2024 (2 deaths), 4 confirmed cases in 2025 (2 deaths)

** (Bangladesh) 5 confirmed cases in 2024 (5 deaths), 3 confirmed cases in 2025 (3 deaths)

Nipah virus infection has an average incubation period of 4 to 14 days, with initial symptoms including fever, headache, muscle soreness. The infection can progress to more severe forms, involving neurological complications like dizziness, drowsiness and altered consciousness. In severe cases, it can lead to death.

KDCA has already established a diagnostic testing system* using Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).

* Diagnostic test is available at KDCA Bio Safety Level 4 facility.

KDCA has also strengthened preparedness by designating India and Bangladesh—where confirmed cases are continuously reported—as quarantine control areas, so that travelers returning from these regions can report their health status to quarantine offices through electronic quarantine registration (Q-CODE) or health status survey if experiencing any symptoms such as fever or headache.

Healthcare facilities must immediately report to public healthcare centers or KDCA (information system) if there’s any suspected Nipah virus cases. Patients should be isolated if necessary.

KDCA Commissioner Dr. Seung-kwan Lim stated, “Designating Nipah virus infection as class 1 notifiable infectious disease is a proactive measure to prepare for the possibility of introduction from overseas.”

He also added, “Given the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of responding to emerging infectious diseases has increased. KDCA is committed to continuously strengthening national infectious disease preparedness and response system.”

<Attachment>

1. Nipah Virus Infection Prevention Guidelines

2. Nipah Virus Infection Prevention Guideline Poster