Nipah Virus Alert in West Bengal: 5 Cases Reported, No Treatment or Vaccine, Mortality Up to 75%

The recent detection of five Nipah virus cases in West Bengal has raised serious concerns, as this is a highly lethal zoonotic infection with a mortality rate of 40–75%. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available. The virus can cause symptoms ranging from mild fever to severe inflammation of the brain.

Rising Cases and Precautions

At least five individuals, including doctors and nurses, have tested positive for Nipah virus in West Bengal, with one patient reported in critical condition. Approximately 100 people have been placed under home quarantine as a precaution. Infected patients are receiving treatment at hospitals in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Nipah virus is classified as a high-risk pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). It can spread from animals to humans, and in certain circumstances, from human to human. Due to its high fatality rate, awareness of symptoms, transmission methods, and preventive measures is crucial to minimize the risk of infection.

Symptoms of Nipah Virus

The early symptoms of Nipah virus infection may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue and weakness

In severe cases, patients may develop:

• Cough
• Breathing difficulties or pneumonia
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can lead to confusion, altered consciousness, seizures, or coma
• Meningitis in rare cases

Symptoms can appear days or even weeks after infection. Survivors may experience long-term neurological complications, including recurrent seizures or behavioral changes. In rare instances, brain inflammation may recur months or years later.

How Nipah Virus Spreads

Nipah is a zoonotic virus, primarily carried by fruit bats. Transmission can occur through:

• Direct contact with infected bats or pigs
• Consumption of food contaminated with bat saliva, urine, or feces
• Close contact with infected humans and exposure to their bodily fluids

Human-to-human transmission is possible but typically requires close contact under specific conditions.

History of Nipah Virus

Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore, where pig farmers experienced outbreaks of encephalitis and respiratory illness. Subsequent outbreaks have occurred in South Asia, including a major outbreak in Kerala, India, in 2018, as well as reported cases in Bangladesh, the Philippines, and other countries.

Preventive Measures

With no vaccine or definitive treatment available, prevention is the most effective defense:

• Avoid consuming raw date palm sap or fruits that show signs of bat contamination
• Wash or peel fruits thoroughly before consumption
• Avoid contact with sick animals or their bodily fluids
• Maintain hygiene and avoid close contact with infected individuals without proper protection

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance. Navbharat Times does not take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or effectiveness of the information provided.