Why India’s Nipah virus outbreak is worrying nearby countries
A Nipah outbreak in West Bengal (two confirmed cases, both health workers) has led neighboring countries to tighten airport screening ahead of Lunar New Year travel. Nipah spreads from bats or contaminated food and can pass between people; symptoms can progress fast and mortality is high (40–75%). But human-to-human spread is usually limited (R below 1). No approved vaccine or specific treatment yet; trials are ongoing and supportive care is key. WHO recommends preventing bat access to food (boil palm sap, wash/peel fruit), strict infection control in hospitals, and hygiene measures. Several Asian countries have added thermal screening and health declarations for arrivals from affected areas.
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