Deadly bat-borne virus with no cure is spreading in India
a month ago
- #Nipah virus
- #epidemic
- #India
- Deadly Nipah virus, with no cure, is spreading in India's West Bengal near Kolkata.
- Five cases reported, including healthcare workers; one nurse in critical condition.
- Virus spreads from bats or pigs to humans, with potential human-to-human transmission.
- Symptoms range from fever and vomiting to severe brain inflammation and coma.
- Fatality rate is 40-75%; no treatment or vaccine exists.
- WHO classifies Nipah as a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential.
- India has seen Nipah outbreaks almost annually for over two decades.
- Risk can be reduced by avoiding contact with pigs, bats, and contaminated food.