KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has urged the public to stay alert while reassuring that the risk of Nipah virus in Nepal remains low.

In a press release issued Monday, the Ministry said no Nipah cases have been confirmed in the country and that health authorities are fully prepared to minimize any potential risk.

The ministry called on the public not to panic but to strictly follow public health standards to protect themselves and their families.

The ministry also noted that although the World Health Organization has assessed the public health risk as low globally and in Southeast Asia, precautionary measures have been strengthened due to cases reported in neighboring countries.

As part of preparedness, health institutions nationwide have been alerted, and an interim Nipah virus testing algorithm has been put in place.