Airports across Asia have begun to strengthen Nipah virus screening after India recorded an outbreak, while doctors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) called on tourists to raise their vigilance.
The Nipah virus currently has no cure and can be fatal, but experts believe that the risk for people coming to and from areas with cases is still low. However, Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan (China) have strengthened medical surveillance and passenger checks after West Bengal state (India) recorded 5 infections.
Nipah is an animal-to-human infection. The virus can also be transmitted through infected food, which is believed to be the route of transmission in the recent outbreak in India.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that the mortality rate of the disease is estimated from 40% to 75%.
According to local media, about 100 people have been put into quarantine, of which the 3 most recent infections are nurses working at a private hospital in Barasat, near Kolkata. The virus attacks the brain and brainstem, causing inflammation, while damaging the lungs and nervous system.
However, Dr. Sagar Kawale - a neurologist at Royal Speciality Medical Hospital (Dubai) - believes that people planning to go to India should not be too worried, but need to recognize the symptoms.
For most tourists, the overall risk is still low, unless there is close contact with an infected person or in a high-risk environment such as a medical facility" - Mr. Kawale said.
“Nipah is a rare disease and when it appears, it is usually only locally limited, not spreading as widely as flu or COVID-19. However, the disease is closely monitored because of its potential seriousness”.
Health officials are particularly concerned about the outbreak in Kolkata, as it is India's third largest city with a population of about 4.5 million people.
Trace and quarantine measures are expected to continue to be implemented. Nipah has been included by China in the list of infectious diseases to be monitored since December 2024.
Previous outbreaks in Bangladesh and India are said to have originated from the consumption of fruit or fruit products contaminated with urine or saliva from fruit bats carrying pathogens.
The early symptoms of Nipah are not specific and may be similar to many other forms of viral encephalitis. The disease can also manifest as skin rash, usually starting with fever, headache and body aches, similar to many common viral diseases. However, neurological signs are important warning signs.
Symptoms such as confusion, abnormal behavior, excessive drowsiness, convulsions, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, paralysis or decreased consciousness can be early signs and require medical attention.
If fever is accompanied by confusion or convulsions, you should not take it lightly or assume it is due to food poisoning or fatigue when walking," Dr. Kawale added.
