Health Minister Emil Ceban said Moldovan authorities do not have tests for the Nipah virus and stressed that the disease does not currently pose a threat to Europe or to the Republic of Moldova.
The minister explained that bats transmit the virus to pigs and that it can also infect humans. He noted that the disease is highly contagious and that the medical community is analyzing potential risks.
“Researchers are studying this virus at the laboratory level. Europe has no cases at the moment. The National Agency for Public Health, together with the World Health Organization, has examined the situation. At this time, there is no need for an alert,” Ceban said.
The minister added that authorities do not place students returning from holidays in Asia under quarantine. He also said that officials have not established any intervention protocol so far.
Authorities have reported cases of the Nipah virus in India. International media report that Asia has known the disease since 2001 and that it spreads through bodily fluids, initially causing cold-like symptoms before potentially leading to encephalitis.