India has seen an outbreak of Nipah, a highly contagious and deadly virus, in West Bengal. According to the World Health Organization, the virus can cause acute respiratory infections and encephalitis, with the fatality rate estimated at 40% to 75%.
The virus is said to be transmissible to humans from animals (such as bats or pigs), contaminated food or human-to-human contact but is not airborne. Symptoms can include, fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat.
In response, major airports in Thailand, Nepal and Vietnam have implemented health screening protocols for passengers from the region in an effort to prevent a wider outbreak. As of publication, no cases had been reported outside India, said BBC.
There is, at present, no treatment or vaccine available other than supportive care. The BBC reported that India’s health ministry had said that suspected infected individuals had been identified, but found to be asymptomatic.
The ministry was reported to say: “The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place.”
