"Nipah, a zoonotic virus first identified during a 1990s outbreak in Malaysia, spreads through fruit bats, pigs and human-to-human contact. There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause raging fevers, convulsions and vomiting. The only treatment is supportive care to control complications and keep patients comfortable. The virus has an estimated fatality rate of between 40% and 75%, according to the WHO, making it far more deadly than the coronavirus."
"There were no reported cases of the virus outside India, but several Asian countries introduced or reinforced screening measures at airports as a precaution. The safety measures were put in place after early media reports from India suggested a surge in cases, but health authorities said those figures were "speculative and incorrect." Indonesia and Thailand increased screening at major airports, with health declarations, temperature checks and visual monitoring for arriving passengers."
Indian authorities said they contained a Nipah outbreak after confirming two cases in West Bengal and quarantining all identified contacts. The Health Ministry traced 196 contacts and reported all tests negative. The situation is under constant monitoring with public health measures in place. Nipah is a zoonotic virus transmitted by fruit bats, pigs, and human-to-human contact, with no vaccine and only supportive treatment available. The WHO estimates a 40–75% fatality rate. Several Asian countries increased airport screening and travel advisories, including health declarations, temperature checks, thermal scanners, and warnings against nonessential travel to West Bengal.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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