By Admin. Updated 6:32 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health, and Energy reported Friday that St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) currently remains classified as low risk for Nipah Virus (NiV).
The Ministry says its report is based on information from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), which said the Caribbean region remains low risk.
The World Health Organization says on its website Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people.
The Health Ministry warns that transmission may occur through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of food contaminated by infected bats, and close contact with an infected person.
The ministry says symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, headache, respiratory symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing), vomiting, drowsiness or confusion.
“In some cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and severe respiratory illness,” the ministry says.
The ministry says at this time, there are no confirmed or suspected cases in SVG.
“While the national risk remains low, the Ministry is maintaining surveillance and preparedness measures in collaboration with regional and international partners”.
The Ministry further advises that travelers (returning or visiting) take extra caution especially if they are visiting or returning from affected countries. If you develop symptoms such as fever, respiratory symptoms, or neurological signs, you should seek medical attention promptly and inform your healthcare provider of your travel history.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy says it will continue to provide updates as necessary and remain committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our people.
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