Authorities in Thailand and Malaysia are increasing airport screening measures following two cases of the deadly Nipah virus reported in India. The virus, primarily transmitted from infected animals like fruit bats to humans, has a case fatality rate ranging from 40 to 75 percent, according to the World Health Organization.
First identified in Malaysia in 1999, Nipah has caused small outbreaks almost every year, mainly in Bangladesh, with sporadic cases in India. The virus spreads through direct contact with sick animals or contaminated tissues, and more commonly through contact with fruit bats, its natural host.
Symptoms of Nipah, such as fever, headaches, and muscle pain, can be mistaken for other illnesses initially and may progress to acute encephalitis or severe respiratory problems. While there are no approved vaccines or treatments for Nipah yet, ongoing research and testing are being conducted, including a vaccine by Oxford University scientists.
Although Nipah poses a significant public health concern in countries with frequent outbreaks, experts believe its global spread is unlikely but warn that the virus’s long incubation period may challenge airport screening effectiveness.
