Health

India says it has contained Nipah virus outbreak as some Asian countries ramp up health screenings

India’s Nipah Virus Outbreak Contained Amid Heightened Regional Health Measures

Summary:

Indian health authorities have successfully contained a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, confirming two cases since December. The government has quarantined and tested 196 contacts, all of whom tested negative. Nipah virus, a zoonotic pathogen with a high fatality rate, spreads through fruit bats, pigs, and human contact, with no available vaccine. Several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar, have tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers from India to prevent potential spread.

What This Means for You:

  • Travelers to or from West Bengal should be vigilant about health screenings and symptom monitoring.
  • Avoid consuming raw fruits or foods potentially contaminated by bats or pigs in affected regions.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing fever, convulsions, or vomiting after traveling to endemic areas.
  • Stay updated on regional health advisories as the situation evolves.

Original Post:

NEW DELHI — Indian authorities said they had contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, as several Asian countries tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India.

India’s Health Ministry said Tuesday that two Nipah cases had been detected since December and that all identified contacts had been quarantined and tested. The ministry did not release details about the patients but said 196 contacts had been traced and all tested negative.

“The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place,” the ministry said.

Nipah, a zoonotic virus first identified during a 1990s outbreak in Malaysia, spreads through fruit bats, pigs and human-to-human contact. There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause raging fevers, convulsions and vomiting. The only treatment is supportive care to control complications and keep patients comfortable.

The virus has an estimated fatality rate of between 40% and 75%, according to the WHO, making it far more deadly than the coronavirus.

There were no reported cases of the virus outside India, but several Asian countries introduced or reinforced screening measures at airports as a precaution.

Indonesia and Thailand increased screening at major airports, with health declarations, temperature checks and visual monitoring for arriving passengers. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control said thermal scanners had been installed at arrival gates for direct flights from West Bengal at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Myanmar’s Health Ministry advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal and urged travelers to seek immediate medical care if symptoms develop within 14 days of travel. It said fever surveillance introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic at airports has been intensified for passengers arriving from India, with laboratory testing capacity and medical supplies readied.

Vietnam’s Health Ministry on Tuesday urged strict food safety practices and directed local authorities to increase monitoring at border crossings, health facilities and communities, according to state media.

China said it was strengthening disease prevention measures in border areas. State media reported that health authorities had begun risk assessments and enhanced training for medical staff, while increasing monitoring and testing capabilities.

Earlier Nipah outbreaks were reported in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007, while recent cases have largely been detected in southern Kerala state. A major outbreak in 2018 killed at least 17 people in Kerala.

Associated Press journalists across Asia contributed to this report.

Extra Information:

For more on Nipah virus prevention and symptoms: WHO Nipah Virus Fact Sheet. Learn about zoonotic diseases and their global impact: CDC Zoonotic Disease Overview.

People Also Ask About:

  • What is Nipah virus? Nipah is a zoonotic virus transmitted from bats and pigs, causing severe respiratory and neurological symptoms.
  • How is Nipah virus treated? There is no specific treatment; care focuses on managing symptoms and complications.
  • Is there a vaccine for Nipah virus? No vaccine is currently available for Nipah virus.
  • Which countries are at risk for Nipah virus? South and Southeast Asian countries, particularly India and Bangladesh, are most at risk.

Expert Opinion:

“The containment of the Nipah virus outbreak in India highlights the importance of rapid response and regional cooperation in managing zoonotic diseases. However, the lack of a vaccine underscores the urgent need for global investment in preventive healthcare and research,” said Dr. Ananya Ghosh, infectious disease specialist.

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