The Nipah virus is not a new variant, but it remains on the list of diseases that international authorities are monitoring particularly closely.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies the virus as high risk because it can spread between humans and has a high fatality rate.
According to WHO, there is neither a vaccine nor a targeted treatment. This is one of the reasons why even a small number of cases can lead to heightened preparedness.
On January 28, the Indian government announced that there are currently two confirmed cases of Nipah virus in the state of West Bengal, LADbible reports.
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How serious is the disease?
The Nipah virus originates from bats and can be transmitted through contact with animals, contaminated food, and, in some cases, from human to human.
According to WHO, symptoms may begin with fever and headache but can develop into severe neurological problems.
WHO estimates that between 40 and 75 percent of those infected in previous outbreaks have died.
These figures explain why the disease is taken seriously, even though outbreaks have often been geographically limited.
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The virus was first identified in 1999, and India has experienced several outbreaks since then, giving authorities experience in managing the disease, according to WHO.
Travel and preparedness
In response to the outbreak, several countries have introduced additional health checks at airports.
According to LADbible, Thailand has begun screening travelers from affected areas, while Nepal and Taiwan have raised their alert levels.
In Taiwan, plans are underway to place the Nipah virus in the highest category of notifiable diseases.
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This gives health authorities the ability to intervene quickly.
Doctor Suzanne Wylie told Cosmopolitan that the risk of spread to Europe is very low, but emphasized that continued monitoring and preparedness remain necessary.
Sources: LADbible, WHO, and Cosmopolitan.
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