According to information provided by the Russian office of the World Health Organization (WHO) to RIA Novosti, the current risk of the Nipah virus spreading beyond India remains low.
The organization confirms that it is closely monitoring the situation related to the two confirmed cases of infection identified in West Bengal.
“Both patients are in isolation, and active contact tracing is underway. Nearly 200 individuals who interacted with them have been tested and received negative results. Based on the current information, WHO assesses the risk of further spread of the infection, including beyond India, as low,” the organization clarified.
Recall that in mid-January, the authorities of West Bengal reported the infection of two healthcare workers with the Nipah virus. These patients are in the Barasat hospital where they work and are currently in an isolation unit with support from a ventilator. Despite reports from Western media about a possible increase in the number of cases, Indian authorities have not confirmed the presence of new transmission cases.
The World Health Organization classifies the Nipah virus as one of the most dangerous on the planet, as effective treatments and vaccines have not been developed. The virus can cause fever and encephalopathy, leading to neuron death; the mortality rate ranges from 40% to 75%. The main carriers are flying foxes and various species of bats, and transmission to humans can occur through the consumption of fruits contaminated with the saliva or excretions of infected animals. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from domestic animals. However, Nipah is not transmitted through airborne droplets and requires direct contact with the biological fluids of the infected.
