The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday said that the Nipah virus outbreak reported in India poses a low risk of spread and does not warrant any travel or trade restrictions, following confirmation of two cases.
The statement comes amid heightened screening measures by several Asian countries for travellers arriving from the region. In an update published on its website, the global health body said there is no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission, adding that the national, regional and global risk remains low.
The two cases were detected in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. According to the WHO, the infections are confined to the district and the patients did not travel while they were symptomatic.
“The likelihood of spread to other Indian states or internationally is considered low,” the agency said, noting that based on the available information, no restrictions on travel or trade are advised.
What is the Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that is primarily transmitted from bats to humans, either through contaminated food or close contact. It can also spread between people, though such transmission typically requires close and prolonged contact.
The infection can cause fever and brain swelling, with a fatality rate estimated to range between 40% and 75%, according to the WHO.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms of Nipah virus infection include fever, headache and muscle pain, which are often non-specific and can resemble other illnesses. As the disease progresses, patients may develop neurological symptoms indicating acute encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Severe respiratory distress has also been reported in some cases.
In serious instances, seizures may occur, potentially leading to coma within days. While many patients recover fully, others may suffer long-term neurological complications.
Are vaccines or treatments available?
Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Nipah virus. However, several candidates are under development, including a vaccine being tested by researchers at Oxford University, who were also involved in developing a COVID-19 vaccine.
