The Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia and its aftermath: A continuing saga

Kai-Lit Phua, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.2010.0007

Authors

Kai-Lit Phua, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2010.0007

Keywords:

Nipah virus, Malaysia, aftermath, management

Abstract

The 1998-1999 Nipah virus outbreaks in Malaysia claimed more than 100 lives (40 percent case fatality rate) and nearly decimated the pig farming industry of the country. Three main groups of people (and their family members) were directly affected, ie, pig farm owners, feed mill owners, and pig farm workers. This article discusses how the crisis was managed— including mistakes made in its management—before the crisis, during the crisis, immediately after the crisis, as well as more recent developments.

Author Biography

Kai-Lit Phua, PhD

School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University (Sunway Campus), Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.

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