WHO Analyzes Nipah Virus Risk in India, Citing High Mortality Rate and Lack of Vaccine
Summary
The WHO highlights the high mortality rate of the Nipah virus infections in India and the absence of a vaccine, while assessing low risk to neighboring countries including Nepal.
Key Points
- The Nipah virus has a high mortality rate of 40 to 75 percent and no official vaccine or treatment exists.
- The virus primarily transmits from fruit bats and has caused multiple outbreaks in Indian states like West Bengal and Kerala.
- WHO assesses low risk for neighboring countries such as Nepal despite recurrent infections in India.
- Infection control and rapid response capabilities in India have improved, but early diagnosis remains crucial for outbreak management.
