Outbreaks of Nipah virus disease are sporadic and have been limited to South and Southeast Asia. The virus is named for the Malaysian village of Kampung Sungai Nipah, where the first human cases were identified in 1998–99. No vaccines or treatments are available for Nipah virus disease.
Fruit bats are occasionally imported from third countries. Pending Community animal health conditions for imports from third countries of fruit bats, it appears necessary to introduce certain protection measures with regard to Hendra and Nipah diseases.
