The Nipah virus is a rare but extremely dangerous viral infection that has raised renewed concern after recent cases were reported in India. Health authorities across parts of Asia have increased airport screening as a precaution, but experts say public awareness is just as important.
The Nipah virus primarily spreads from infected animals to humans, with fruit bats identified as its natural host. In some cases, people may carry the virus without showing symptoms. However, the infection is often severe. According to the World Health Organisation, the fatality rate ranges between 40 percent and 75 percent, depending on how quickly cases are detected and treated.
First identified in Malaysia in 1999, the virus has since caused small outbreaks almost every year, mainly in Bangladesh, with occasional cases in India. Global health groups estimate that around 750 cases have been recorded so far, resulting in over 400 deaths, highlighting how deadly the disease can be despite its limited spread.
Transmission most commonly occurs through contaminated food, especially fruit or raw date palm juice exposed to saliva or urine from infected bats. In earlier outbreaks, contact with infected pigs was also a major source. Human-to-human transmission has been reported, but it usually requires close contact, such as caring for an infected family member, making widespread outbreaks less likely.
Early symptoms often include fever, headache, and muscle pain, which can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. In severe cases, the infection progresses to brain inflammation, breathing difficulties, seizures, and even coma. While many survivors recover fully, some suffer from long-term neurological complications.
There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the Nipah virus, though several vaccine candidates are in development. Scientists stress that while the virus is unlikely to spread globally, it remains a serious public health threat in regions where outbreaks occur.
