WHO Minimizes the Likelihood of the Spread of the Nipah Virus Outside India

SadaNews - The World Health Organization, on Friday, downplayed the likelihood of the deadly Nipah virus spreading from India, adding that it does not recommend imposing travel or trade restrictions after the South Asian country reported two cases of the virus.

The Nipah virus, which is carried by fruit bats and animals like pigs, can cause fever and encephalitis, with a mortality rate ranging from 40 to 75 percent.

Although the virus is contagious, transmission from person to person is not easy and typically requires prolonged contact with an infected individual. The virus usually transmits to humans from infected bats or contaminated fruit.

Infection was detected in India in late December. Virologists have confirmed that the threat to the population remains low. Several vaccines are being developed, but they are still under testing. Efstathios Giotis, a lecturer in molecular virology at the University of Essex in the UK, stated, "While there is justification for caution, there is no evidence indicating a broader danger to public health at this stage."