The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the risk posed by the Nipah virus at the global and regional levels is currently low, despite new cases being reported in India and Bangladesh. This assessment aims to reassure the international community, but it also underscores the need for continued vigilance against this potentially deadly disease, for which there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment.
In detailing the current situation, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, explained that India had reported two confirmed cases, while Bangladesh had recorded one. He added that health authorities in both countries had traced approximately 230 people who had been in contact with the infected individuals, none of whom have shown any symptoms of the disease so far. He emphasized that the WHO continues to work closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and provide the necessary support to contain the outbreak.
What is the Nipah virus and what is its history?
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It was first discovered in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae. Since its discovery, areas in South and Southeast Asia, particularly Bangladesh and India, have experienced recurring outbreaks almost annually.
The virus can be transmitted to humans in several ways. It can spread through direct contact with infected animals such as pigs or bats, or through the consumption of food products contaminated with bat saliva or urine, such as untreated date palm sap, for which Bangladesh is known. Human-to-human transmission through close contact with infected individuals has also been documented, making it a major concern for healthcare workers and the families of those infected.
The severity of the virus and its health impact
The danger of the Nipah virus lies in its high mortality rate, which ranges from 40% to 75%, according to World Health Organization data, making it one of the most dangerous known viruses. Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection to severe respiratory tract infections and potentially fatal encephalitis. Initial symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and sore throat, and may rapidly progress to dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs indicative of acute encephalitis. In severe cases, the patient can fall into a coma within 24 to 48 hours.
Locally, outbreaks place immense pressure on healthcare systems, requiring a rapid response that includes isolating patients, tracing contacts, and launching intensive public awareness campaigns. Internationally, any outbreak of such a dangerous virus raises concerns about its potential to spread across borders, especially in a world interconnected by international travel, necessitating close cooperation between countries and the World Health Organization to ensure preparedness for any emergency.
