Nipah virus is causing concern… Are we facing a potential pandemic?
The confirmation of two cases of the deadly Nipah virus in India has sparked regional concern, prompting countries like Thailand and Malaysia to tighten health screening procedures at airports in anticipation of the potential spread of the infection through international travel. But what is the Nipah virus? And how serious is it as a threat to public health?
What is the Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a rare but serious viral infection that primarily spreads from infected animals to humans, with the fruit bat being the main natural host. According to the World Health Organization, some infected individuals may be asymptomatic, but the disease is often very severe, with mortality rates ranging from 40% to 75%, depending on the healthcare system’s capacity for early detection, treatment, and medical support.
Although human-to-human transmission is possible, health experts and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control emphasize that this transmission does not occur easily, and outbreaks often remain limited in scope. Currently, there are no approved vaccines, although experimental vaccines are under development and research.
How widespread is the virus?
Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999. Since then, small outbreaks have been recorded almost annually, especially in Bangladesh, with sporadic cases also reported in India.
According to data from the Alliance for Infectious Disease Preparedness, nearly 750 confirmed cases had been recorded by December, with 415 deaths, reflecting the seriousness of the disease despite its limited spread. Reuters highlighted the virus in a series of reports in 2023 titled “Bat Territory.”
How is the Nipah virus transmitted?
In its early stages in Malaysia, the virus was primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected pigs or their contaminated tissues. Over time, transmission via fruit bats became more common.
The World Health Organization indicates that consuming fruit or date palm products, such as raw date juice, contaminated with the urine or saliva of infected bats is the most likely source of infection. Limited human-to-human transmission has also been observed, primarily among family members or healthcare providers of infected individuals.