Health authorities are cautioning the public about the symptoms of Nipah virus, with concerns from doctors that a significant percentage of those infected could face fatal outcomes.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified Nipah virus as a “high priority pathogen” due to its high mortality rate and the absence of established treatments. In West Bengal, India, two cases have been officially confirmed by the federal health ministry, leading to a large-scale quarantine effort involving around 200 individuals who had contact with the infected patients.

Several Asian countries have heightened health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India in response to the situation. Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases at the University of East Anglia, mentioned the challenges of detecting Nipah due to the varying time it takes for symptoms to manifest after exposure.

Typically, symptoms appear between four to 21 days after exposure, with more severe complications like brain inflammation or meningitis emerging within three to 21 days post-infection. The UKHSA has cautioned that between 40 to 75 percent of Nipah virus cases result in death, with survivors potentially experiencing long-term neurological issues such as persistent seizures and personality changes.

While rare, the virus can reactivate months or years after the initial infection. Nipah virus transmission often occurs through the consumption of contaminated fruit or fruit products, primarily from fruit bats’ excretions. Person-to-person spread is also feasible, especially in close contact situations or exposure to infected bodily fluids.

Instances of Nipah virus have been recorded in India and Bangladesh, with infections commonly affecting individuals caring for the sick. Unfortunately, there are no approved specific treatments for Nipah virus infection, and no licensed preventive vaccine exists.

Professor Hunter emphasized that although Nipah is a severe infection, the global risk of transmission remains low due to limited person-to-person spread. However, vigilance is necessary given the potential for viruses to mutate and the challenging detection at borders due to the extended incubation period.

No cases of the Nipah virus have been reported in the UK.