Why has the Nipah Virus Triggered Global Concern?

The latest spread of the Nipah virus in India’s West Bengal pushed almost the entire world to the edge, putting this little-known but deadly pathogen in the global spotlight. Even though the cases have

been contained, there has been intense international attention with special airport screenings in many countries – reflecting a deeper fear. Nipah is among the most lethal viruses that have no cure to date, no vaccine, and no specific treatment. It can also easily jump from animals to humans - and between people.

What is the Nipah virus?

According to the World Health Organisation, Nipah (NiV) is a zoonotic disease, which means it spreads from animals to humans. First identified in Malaysia in 1998, it has since caused repeated outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, especially in Bangladesh and India, over the years. Fruit bats - also known as flying foxes- are the natural hosts of this dangerous virus. Humans become infected through contact with contaminated fruit, raw date palm sap, infected animals, or through close contact with an infected person. What makes Nipah deadly and mostly fatal is its high death rate, which ranges from 40 to 75 per cent depending on the outbreak. Doctors say the virus causes severe respiratory illness and deadly brain inflammation, also known as encephalitis, which often progresses rapidly.

Why has the virus alarmed the world?

News reports say Pakistan is the latest Asian country to order enhanced screening of those entering for signs of infections of Nipah in a bid to step up controls. Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam have also tightened screening at their airports. India's health ministry said this week that authorities have identified and traced 196 contacts linked to the two cases, with none showing symptoms and all testing negative for the virus. However, even a single case triggers global concern because of the virus’s pandemic potential. The WHO has listed Nipah as a priority pathogen due to its high mortality, lack of treatment, and ability to cause outbreaks. Unlike many viruses, Nipah infections initially resemble a common flu-like illness, making early detection extremely difficult and vague. Another reason for concern is human-to-human transmission. While Nipah does not spread as easily as COVID-19 or influenza, documented hospital clusters prove it can spread through bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, and prolonged close contact.Also read: Nipah Virus Update: India Claims Outbreak Contained, Asia Tightens Surveillance

Why is there no vaccine yet?

Even though there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine available for people infected by the virus, the University of Oxford has been conducting clinical trials in Bangladesh to test a Nipah virus vaccine and launched the second phase of trials last month. In the absence of approved vaccines, doctors have been treating patients with antivirals like Ribavirin. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), Ribavirin was also used to treat a small number of patients in a 1999 Nipah outbreak in Malaysia, but its efficacy in treatment remains unclear. CDC also recommends taking Remdesivir to prevent Nipah “when given to exposed nonhuman primates”. In 2023, during an outbreak, Kerala used Remdesivir, which resulted in an improved case fatality rate.

How to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus?

India’s swift containment measures, which include contact tracing, isolation, surveillance, and public advisories, have so far prevented large-scale spread. However, containment does not eliminate future risk. Nipah outbreaks tend to recur, often years apart, making constant vigilance essential. According to experts, severe cases of the Nipah virus can be managed “through intensive supportive care”. Apart from the ongoing airport screenings, countries should also focus on promoting measures to prevent the virus, like good hygiene, proper ventilation, avoiding crowds, staying home when ill, seeking timely medical advice, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support immunity. The WHO has also provided guidelines for controlling the spread of the virus, which include requirements like decreasing bat access to date palm sap and other fresh food products.