WHO Assesses Low Risk of Nipah Virus Spread Beyond India After Two Cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the risk of the Nipah virus spreading beyond India as low, despite the confirmation of two infections in the country.
In a statement shared with Reuters on Friday, the WHO said it does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions at this stage. The agency added that Indian health authorities have the capacity to detect and contain such outbreaks effectively.
Following the confirmation of cases, several Asian locations — including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam — tightened airport screening measures as a precaution.
“The WHO considers the risk of further spread of infection from these two cases is low,” the agency said, noting that there is currently no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission. It also confirmed that it is coordinating closely with Indian health authorities.
However, the WHO did not rule out the possibility of further exposure, as the Nipah virus continues to circulate in fruit bat populations in parts of India and neighbouring Bangladesh.
Nipah virus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected bats or animals such as pigs, or through fruit contaminated by bats. The infection can cause symptoms ranging from fever to severe brain inflammation. The virus has a fatality rate estimated between 40% and 75%, and there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine, although several candidates are under development.
Person-to-person transmission is considered limited and typically requires prolonged close contact, health experts say. Virologists note that small outbreaks occur periodically and that the overall risk to the general population remains low.
The exact source of the latest infections has not yet been fully identified, according to the WHO.
Nipah Virus Not New to India
Local authorities confirmed that the two infected health workers are receiving treatment in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. India has reported sporadic Nipah virus cases over the years, particularly in Kerala, which is considered one of the world’s highest-risk regions for the virus.
Since its first appearance in Kerala in 2018, Nipah virus outbreaks have been linked to dozens of deaths. According to the WHO, the current situation marks the seventh documented outbreak in India and the third in West Bengal, following earlier outbreaks in 2001 and 2007 near the Bangladesh border.
Nipah virus is classified as a priority pathogen due to its high fatality rate, lack of approved vaccines or treatments, and concerns that it could potentially mutate into a more easily transmissible form.
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