A fresh outbreak of the Nipah virus (NiV) in India has triggered a high-alert status across Asia. Following reports of infections among healthcare workers in West Bengal, several countries including Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have reintroduced rigorous health screenings at airports, reminiscent of Covid-era protocols.
With the Lunar New Year approaching, China has also urged heightened vigilance to prevent the cross-border spread of this highly fatal virus.
The Current Situation in India
According to Dr. Narendra Kumar Arora, President of AIIMS Bilaspur, the current outbreak was identified in West Bengal.
- Initial Cases: Five healthcare workers tested positive after exposure to a patient who died of an undiagnosed illness.
- Contact Tracing: Authorities are currently monitoring 100 to 200 individuals who may have been exposed to the primary patients.
- Endemic Zones: While Kerala has seen multiple outbreaks in recent years, both West Bengal and neighboring Bangladesh are considered endemic regions for the virus.
What is Nipah Virus?
Nipah is a zoonotic virus, meaning it jumps from animals to humans. It was first discovered in Malaysia in 1998.
- The Host: The natural reservoir for the virus is the fruit bat (Pteropus species). These bats carry the virus without getting sick themselves.
- Transmission:
- Food: Consuming fruits partially eaten by bats or drinking raw date palm sap contaminated with bat saliva or urine.
- Animals: Direct contact with infected animals, particularly pigs.
- Human-to-Human: Close contact with the bodily fluids or respiratory droplets of an infected person.
Symptoms and Mortality
Nipah is exceptionally dangerous due to its high fatality rate and the speed at which it attacks the brain.
| Stage | Common Symptoms |
| Early (5–14 days) | Fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. |
| Severe/Advanced | Dizziness, drowsiness, mental confusion, and seizures. |
| Critical | Encephalitis (brain swelling) leading to coma within 24–48 hours. |
Fatality Rate: Ranges from 40% to 75%, making it significantly deadlier than most common viral infections.
Prevention and Treatment
There is currently no vaccine and no specific antiviral cure for Nipah. Treatment is limited to supportive care (ventilators and managing brain swelling). Prevention is the only effective shield:
- Avoid Raw Sap: Do not consume raw date palm sap, as it is a primary source of bat-to-human transmission.
- Inspect Fruit: Do not eat fruits that appear to have bite marks or have fallen from trees.
- Hygiene: Wash all fruits thoroughly and maintain frequent handwashing.
- PPE for Medics: Healthcare workers must use strict infection control, including masks and gowns, when treating patients with respiratory symptoms in affected areas.