Several countries, including Thailand and Nepal, have heightened health surveillance after India confirmed new cases of the deadly Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease with a high fatality rate but limited human-to-human transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said two cases were confirmed in West Bengal involving two 25-year-old nurses, a man and a woman. Indian health authorities have deployed an outbreak response team, while the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it is coordinating with local officials and closely monitoring the situation.
Despite the virusโs severity, experts say the likelihood of a global outbreak remains low.
Nipah virus
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it originates in animals and can be transmitted to humans. It was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore that affected both pigs and people.
Fruit bats are the virusโs natural hosts. Humans can become infected through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated food, or exposure to bodily fluids. Person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly through close contact with an infected individual.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop four to 14 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and vomiting, making early diagnosis challenging as these resemble many common illnesses.
Severe cases can progress rapidly, leading to disorientation, seizures, and encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. According to the CDC, patients may fall into a coma within 24 to 48 hours after neurological symptoms appear.
The fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%. Some survivors experience long-term neurological complications, including persistent seizures.
Is there a treatment?
There is currently no specific treatment for Nipah virus. Care focuses on managing symptoms through supportive treatment such as hydration, rest, and treatment of complications.
Researchers are testing potential therapies, including a monoclonal antibody that has completed phase 1 clinical trials and is being used on a compassionate basis. Studies are also examining the effectiveness of remdesivir, an antiviral drug used to treat COVID-19, which has shown promising results in animal studies.
Can Nipah virus spread globally?
Health experts say widespread international transmission is unlikely. Nipah virus outbreaks are typically localized and can be contained through strict infection prevention measures, particularly in healthcare settings.
Transmission among healthcare workers has often been linked to lapses in basic protective measures such as the use of gloves and masks.
Experts also warn that Nipah virus outbreaks underscore the broader risks posed by environmental destruction and climate change. Habitat loss may be driving fruit bats closer to human populations, increasing the likelihood of virus spillover.
As countries ramp up surveillance, health authorities emphasize vigilance, early detection, and strict infection control to prevent further spread.
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