Nipah Virus Outbreak in India: WHO Assesses Low Risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that the “risk of further spread” of a small Nipah virus outbreak in India is considered “low.”

The organization noted, “There is no evidence yet that human-to-human transmission has increased,” in a message sent to Reuters.

WHO stated that it does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions related to this infection. In West Bengal, India, there have only been two confirmed cases. Health authorities have tracked and monitored 196 individuals who were in contact with these patients, and as of Friday, none of them are reported to be infected.

The Nipah virus is known to spread via body fluids, typically from infected animals like bats to humans. While its symptoms can resemble those of the flu, the virus is particularly dangerous as it can lead to swelling of the brain and spinal cord, with fatality rates estimated between 40% and 70%.

Both patients in West Bengal are healthcare workers, one a man and the other a woman. The man is showing signs of recovery, but the woman remains in critical condition.

WHO officials have repeatedly mentioned this week that the risk of further transmission is low. Indian health officials also report that the outbreak is fully contained. However, several countries in the region, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Pakistan, are implementing additional testing for travelers from the West Bengal area.

In a communication to Reuters, the WHO pointed out that there remains a potential risk of exposure from this outbreak. The Nipah virus is often carried by bats, which can leave infectious fluids on fruit. Humans may contract the virus by consuming these contaminated fruits.

Furthermore, Nipah can be transferred through pigs and pork products, and while person-to-person transmission is possible, it generally requires prolonged contact with an infected individual.

Due to its high lethality and the absence of vaccines or treatment options, the WHO ranks Nipah as a disease of significant concern. Indian epidemiologists suggest that the virus’s low reproduction index indicates it doesn’t spread rapidly among the population. Under rare circumstances, bats may transmit the virus through droplets of urine or saliva, but fortunately, known strains of Nipah have a limited survival time outside a living host.