Health experts are cautioning the public about Nipah virus symptoms, with concerns that 75% of those infected could face fatal outcomes. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified Nipah as a “high priority pathogen” due to its high mortality rate and lack of established treatment. In West Bengal, India, two cases have been confirmed by the federal health ministry, leading to a quarantine effort involving around 200 individuals who had contact with infected patients.
Several Asian nations have implemented stricter health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India. Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia, an expert in infectious diseases, mentioned the challenges of detecting Nipah at borders due to the delayed onset of symptoms, which can occur between four to 21 days after exposure. Severe complications such as brain inflammation or meningitis may develop within three to 21 days.
The UKHSA has warned that 40 to 75% of Nipah virus cases result in death, with survivors potentially experiencing lasting neurological effects like seizures and personality changes. In rare instances, the virus can reactivate months or years after the initial infection. The primary mode of transmission is through contaminated fruit or fruit products, often tainted with the excreta of infected fruit bats. Person-to-person spread is feasible through close contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids.
Although Nipah has been documented in India and Bangladesh, its global spread risk is deemed low due to limited person-to-person transmission. However, vigilance is crucial as viruses can mutate to increase infectivity, and the extended incubation period complicates border detection. Notably, no cases of Nipah virus have been reported in the UK.
