What Is Nipah Virus? Key Facts to Know as India Confirms Cases

Per updates cited on Al Jazeera, airports across parts of Asia have been placed on high alert following India’s confirmation of two cases of the deadly Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal.

Countries including Thailand, Nepal and Vietnam have introduced enhanced screening measures for incoming passengers amid concerns over a possible wider outbreak.

India Confirms Two Cases

India’s Ministry of Health confirmed that the two cases were detected in West Bengal over the past month. Authorities said the virus had been quickly contained and that there was no evidence of further spread.

According to the ministry, nearly 200 close contacts of the infected individuals were tested, with no additional cases recorded.

What Is the Nipah Virus?

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans, mainly through pigs and fruit bats, either by direct contact or contaminated food sources.

The virus has an incubation period of four to 14 days. Early symptoms include high fever, vomiting, nausea and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can lead to brain swelling, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Why the Virus Is So Dangerous

Health experts consider Nipah virus extremely dangerous due to its high fatality rate, estimated between 40% and 75%.

Although human-to-human transmission is relatively limited, the World Health Organization classifies Nipah as a high epidemic risk because there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

History of Previous Outbreaks

The virus was first identified in 1998 among pig farmers in Malaysia, where it claimed more than 100 lives.

Since then, outbreaks have been reported in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Singapore and the Philippines. In India, the virus has appeared multiple times, including a deadly outbreak in Kerala in 2018 that killed at least 17 people.

Regional Response and Travel Measures

The latest cases mark the first Nipah infections reported in West Bengal since 2007.

In response, several countries have stepped up border health measures. Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia have introduced temperature checks and health declaration forms for travellers arriving from India. Myanmar has advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal, while China has strengthened disease monitoring in border regions.

Indian authorities have dismissed reports of a surge in cases, describing them as “speculative and incorrect,” while insisting the situation remains under control.