The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced its assessment of the current epidemiological situation regarding the Nipah virus, classifying the risk of its spread at both the regional and global levels as "low," following the reporting of confirmed cases in both India and Bangladesh. This classification aims to alleviate growing concerns, while simultaneously emphasizing the seriousness of the virus as an individual disease, given the current lack of a vaccine.
In detailing the current situation, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, explained that health authorities in India have officially reported two cases, while Bangladesh has recorded one. Health authorities responded very quickly, tracing and monitoring nearly 230 contacts of the infected individuals to ensure no further transmission. Initial follow-up results confirmed that these contacts have not shown any symptoms, reinforcing the hypothesis that the current outbreak is under control.
What is the Nipah virus? And its historical background
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Transmission can occur through contaminated food or directly between humans. Fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae are the natural host of this virus. It was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, and since then, seasonal outbreaks have been observed, particularly in Bangladesh and eastern India.
Symptoms and health risks
Symptoms of Nipah virus infection range from asymptomatic (silent) infection to severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. Those infected typically experience fever, headache, and muscle aches, which can rapidly progress to dizziness and altered consciousness, indicating acute encephalitis. World Health Organization data indicates that the case fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%, depending on local clinical and epidemiological capacity.
The importance of the event and preventive measures
Although the risk of global spread is classified as low, the World Health Organization (WHO) has placed the Nipah virus on its list of priority diseases for research and development, given the current lack of licensed vaccines or specific treatments. The WHO recommends strengthening public hygiene measures, avoiding contact with bats or pigs in affected areas, and thoroughly washing and peeling fruits before consumption, especially those that may have been contaminated by bat secretions, such as dates and raw palm juice.
The organization continues to work closely with authorities in India and Bangladesh to ensure ongoing monitoring and surveillance, and to periodically assess risks to prevent any potential expansion of the outbreak.
