"Several Asian countries have introduced screening measures for arrivals from India, as New Delhi seeks to dampen alarm. Seeking to dampen alarm in the region, Indian officials have declared that an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus has been contained. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said late on Tuesday that it has ensured timely containment as it confirmed two cases in West Bengal state."
"The ministry said 196 contacts linked to the confirmed cases had been identified, traced, monitored, and tested, with all tests for the virus negative. It said the statement was intended to clarify speculative and incorrect figures in the media. The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place, it said, adding that enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations had been undertaken."
"The virus has an estimated death rate of between 40-75 percent, according to the World Health Organization, making it far more deadly than the coronavirus. As India sought to assuage regional concerns, a number of Asian countries announced measures at airports and land crossings. China said it was strengthening disease prevention measures in border areas. State media reported that health authorities had begun risk assessments and special training for medical staff."
India confirmed two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal and declared the outbreak contained. Health authorities identified, traced, monitored and tested 196 contacts, with all tests negative. Enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing and field investigations were undertaken and necessary public health measures were in place. The zoonotic Nipah virus spreads through fruit bats, pigs and human-to-human contact and has no vaccine; treatment is limited to supportive care. The World Health Organization estimates a 40–75 percent fatality rate. China, Indonesia and Thailand increased screening and disease-prevention measures for travelers arriving from India, including health declarations and temperature checks.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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