Nipah Virus Outbreak in West Bengal Sparks Health Scrutiny Across Asia
Summary
An outbreak of Nipah virus in West Bengal, India has raised health concerns across Asia, prompting intensified screenings at airports and scrutiny of preventive measures.
Key Points
- Two confirmed Nipah virus cases reported in West Bengal, India, involving healthcare workers currently hospitalized.
- Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus with high mortality rates, transmitted from animals to humans and via human contact.
- Several Southeast Asian countries, including China, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal, and Malaysia have tightened health screenings at airports.
- There is no approved vaccine yet; research and antiviral drug treatments like Ribavirin and Remdesivir are under study or have been used.
- WHO and experts recommend preventive measures such as good hygiene, avoiding bat-contaminated food, and protective precautions in healthcare settings.
